The world of Spanish football is shocked after an surprising statement of the national coach Luis de la Fuente, which has unleashed a wave of controversy after the match of this morning against Portugal, played at 02:00 hours at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Spain fell defeated in the UEFA Final Nations League after a penalty shootout, in a meeting that left more shadows than lights for the red. However, what has captured everyone’s attention has not been the result, but the explosive words of De la Fuente, who directly pointed to three players as the worst of the game, triggering an unexpected reaction by the entire team.
The duel, which began with intensity under an atmosphere loaded with tension, saw Spain advance twice thanks to the goals of Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, but Portugal, led by an inspired Christian Ronaldo, managed to match the score and force the definition from eleven meters. The 5-4 defeat in the penalty shootout left De the source visibly frustrated, but no one expected his relief after the final whistle to take such a controversial course. In the subsequent press conference, the Basque coach, known for his reserved character, surprised the world by declared: “Today we have seen three players who were not up to par. His performance has been unacceptable and has cost the team expensive.” Although he did not mention specific names, the cameras captured uncomfortable looks among several players, feeding the speculations.
The costume reaction was swift. According to sources close to the team, the players met immediately after De la Fuente’s words, and the atmosphere became tense. It is said that several players, including veterans such as Álvaro Morata and young promises such as Pedri, expressed their disagreement with the statements of the coach, defending the unity of the group. “This is not fair, we all gave the best,” Morata would have said, according to a filtered testimony. The surprise came when the team, in a collective gesture, decided to confront De la Fuente in a private meeting. Internal sources say that players reproached him for public signaling, leaving him stunned and speechless from the strength of the group response.
Speculations about the three players indicated have flooded social networks and sports programs. Some point to Unai Simón, whose error in the penalty shootout could have been decisive; Others mention Dani Carvajal, who had an irregular performance, and Ferran Torres, who failed several clear occasions. However, the lack of concrete names by De la Fuente has fueled the debate, dividing fans. While some support the technician for his openness, others criticize him for undermining the morale of the team at a key moment.
The Spanish press has reacted with incendiary headlines. “De la Fuente lights the costumes,” he titled Marca, while As highlighted: “The Red on the verge of rupture.” Experts agree that this statement could have long -term consequences, especially with the 2026 World Cup in sight. Some suggest that the coach sought to send a strong message to motivate the template, but the effect has been the opposite, exposing cracks in a team that until now had shown an admirable cohesion.
Today’s party, although lost, had begun with promises of glory. Spain dominated the first 60 minutes, with a brilliant Yamal that seemed to direct the victory. However, the last 30 minutes and the penalty shootout revealed vulnerabilities that did not hesitate to highlight. His statement, far from closing the chapter, has opened a new drama front in the national team. The players, meanwhile, have asked time to process the incident, while fans anxiously wait for the next movements of the Federation.
The confrontation between De la Fuente and his team has left an indelible brand in this final. The image of an stunned coach, faced with the united reaction of his pupils, will be remembered as one of the most surprising moments of this Nations League. Now, the question that everyone is asked is: Can the red overcome this internal crisis? With the World Cup approaching, the future of De la Fuente and of these three players indicated by a thread, while Spanish football prepares for a summer of uncertainty and tensions.
