Luis de la Fuente tasted defeat for the first time as Spain head coach on Tuesday, as La Roja were soundly beaten by Scotland in their Euro 2024 qualifying match at Hampden Park.
Despite having 68% possession, Spain failed to create any clear cut chances against the Scots, which resulted in a rather comfortable evening for Steve Clarke’s side in Glasgow.
1 – Luis de la Fuente es el primer seleccionador español que pierde su primer partido como visitante al mando de España 🇪🇸 desde Vicente Miera en septiembre de 1991 (2-0 ante Islandia 🇮🇸), también en la clasificación a la Eurocopa. Dificultad. pic.twitter.com/W3Z9u4dvrC
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 28, 2023
De la Fuente made eight changes from the side that defeated Norway on Sunday, but his decision to rest several players came back to bite him. Speaking after the match, as per Marca, de la Fuente tried to be positive about the result.
“It was a painful defeat. Analysing the game, I thought we did things well, and I thought we did enough to get a result. I will stick with those positive things, but we have to improve a lot.
“I’m delighted with the attitude of the players. We tried everything but it didn’t work.”
De la Fuente also admitted that he and the players have got plenty of improving to do in order to reach their potential going forward.
“Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go to get back (to our best). We have sown, and surely the future will ensure better experiences.”
While his Spain squad will result to their respective clubs ahead of the season run-in, de la Fuente will turn his focus towards the UEFA Nations League finals in June, starting with their semi-final against Italy.
There wasn’t a “long way to go” when Lucho was running the national team…
Except for embarrasing last world cup.
Glad that he is gone.
What positive things did he see? They were mediocre as they seem to think points are awarded for aimless passes.
They have gone back to the mediocrity of pre Aragonés era and it would take a complete change of mindset for them to be great again.
Who are you gonna beat with a midfield of no pace and or athleticism?
Just doing the same crap over and over again. Pass pass pass pass pass.
You have a player that plays for Osasuna complaining about long grass.
Scotland created more than 2 chances they need to stop chatting that crap.
Score line against Norway flattered them immensely.
Carvajal looks like a completely spent force. If Real Madrid wins champions league with him in his current funk then either Ancelotti is a genius or the other teams are very bad.
Busquets and Koke under Lucho and now Merino and Rodri.
Why do Spanish managers think these guys can do anything against teams with pace.
You do not have to be even decent if you have pace and power in midfield, you’d easily overrun this Spanish side..
Striking options are pathetic. Why is Oyarzabal so highly rated in Spain?
I have only seen him play 1 good game and that was in the nations league against Italy.
Other times I just watch in wonder as to why players like him, Carlos Soler, Sarabia are called up to play for Spain.
Dude Fuente, you made Morata captain. Apart from him having no leadership qualities, lacking a backbone, mentally weak he is a reserve for his club.
It will be a short way if pep guardiola coach this spain team.#pepguardiolaforspainjob