The coach understood that the rivals were trying to intimidate his young striker and celebrated the second half against Denmark
MADRID, 13 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The national soccer coach, Luis de la Fuente, welcomed this Saturday’s match with a narrow victory against Denmark in the Nations League, after a good step forward in the second half, while he praised his players and recognized as normal that Lamine Yamal is a target of rivals.
The Riojan coach wanted to thank the “impressive reception and behavior of the fans” of Murcia, especially towards Álvaro Morata who needed it. “I am proud to see my compatriots react like this. We were looking for that. We felt that the atmosphere was favorable for Álvaro and he deserved it. We were looking for that moment to support him, I hope it happens in all fields. He needed it and he deserves it,” he said in news conference.
Regarding the captain, in the spotlight last week after opening up about his personal problems last season, De la Fuente recognized an “outstanding match” in which he lacked the goal due to the interventions of the rival goalkeeper. In addition, the ‘Red’ coach highlighted Martin Zubimendi, author of the 1-0 scoreline.
“Martin already knows that he is a sure value, he plays calmly, with judgment. In the second half is when the whole team has been at its best. He gives you everything you ask of him and has a fantastic talent, he doesn’t have many goals but with us It’s starting to cheer up,” he said.
On the other hand, De la Fuente was asked about the tickets that Lamine Yamal received. “Lamine plays with an exceptional attitude, creating imbalance. Let them kick him, this is football, I have a friend who says ‘what do you want, kisses’. The rivals are used. You have to apply yourself with the harshness that the regulations allow. Against footballers of this talent, this is old, it’s about intimidation, contact. That’s what they want, against such young players, it’s the law of football, but that’s what the referee is there for. He has to get used to that and read when to take the ball away. before,” he added.
Furthermore, the coach of the European and Nations League champions pointed out that the good second half and the introduction of changes were important in the three points that gave them the lead. “I wasn’t angry. In the first half we lacked a bit of tact, to move the ball faster, against a very good opponent. In the second, we entered in a different way. The changes have given us more energy and the team he has found himself more comfortable,” he said.
“Pedri is ready to play 90 or more minutes. It is a team effort. He has done a fantastic job, in the first half we lacked the ball, but he gave us consistency. Then Merino and Baena came out and took advantage of those spaces “The best version of Pedri is yet to come,” he added about the Canarian, who was one of those replaced without much prominence.
“The matches have to be worked on. It is impossible to dominate the 90 minutes, against a powerful and good opponent. This team reacts well, not only today, we have adapted to different game situations and varieties, which makes you a solvent team, safe “, term.