De la Fuente: This is What We Lacked, and There's Nothing to Worry About

The Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente appeared in the press conference hall at the Atlanta stadium to analyze the goalless draw achieved by the Spanish team in their first World Cup match against Cape Verde.

The coach said in his talk: "How do you explain what happened? And why did you play Gavi on the wing? When you don't win, it's natural for morale to drop. But that didn't happen in the locker room. We knew Cape Verde would play with a very compact defense. We created chances, but we lacked precision. The plan was for Gavi to advance from deep to create space on the flanks. We intended for Cucurella to move forward, and he did."

He added: "How is the atmosphere in the locker room? Because there is some noise? I think the noise is good... and the results are good. Today we reached 32 matches without defeat. We would have been better off if we had won, but we realize this match is part of a major tournament. Perhaps being the first match was a significant factor. It weighed on us. But nothing worries us. The doubts. Whatever is said or not said... this is the path we must take."

He continued: "I learned from today's match that matches are very difficult. The team we faced was below our level, but they performed their duties perfectly. If we had scored the first goal, things might have been different. We must continue to evolve and improve. We have talents, and this is the way forward, and we are very calm."

He emphasized: "Tomorrow I will hang a banner in the locker room that says '32 matches without defeat'. We have no doubts. I know I'm repeating myself, but if we had taken any of our chances, everything would have been different. I know you will call me opportunistic, but this is the truth. The idea is what brought us here, and we must continue to bet on this idea and the players we have."

Regarding the delay in making changes: "Usually, when facing a new competition, we need different playing styles. We tried the starting lineup and then looked for other options. Lamine, Merino, and Nico are still in full fitness. We tried to be patient so as not to close any doors. We wanted more play on the flanks, more offensive penetrations, and Mikel Merino's decisive touches."

Regarding Rodri's statements that they lacked the final touch: "Without a doubt. Fear spread among the opponents, but we realized this is their playing duration today. When we get into the rhythm of competition, the team will give its best. I am convinced that the team will be better in the next match... and so am I."

He continued: "We maintained our humility, understanding what it means to be at the top. This team is trustworthy. We just have to accept this reality. And we have to see what we need to improve. We all have to be better."

He continued: "We gave Gavi great depth in the formation, he gave us great energy, and provided space for the full-back. This is what we were looking for. We expected Cape Verde to play in late areas, but not to this extent. We forced them to play in very late areas because we pushed the wings inside, and the full-backs moved forward. But today we lacked the final touch. We have to continue working and be more serious in our performance."

He concluded: "How long will it take to analyze the match? We will watch the match tonight on the way back. I will continue trying to convince the players that things will be different against Saudi Arabia. Football is complicated. Sometimes you can win... but not always. We have to improve. I, first and foremost. We didn't come here for nothing, let's not forget we are the European champions."