De la Fuente: My only fear is flying in a helicopter

The exit of the Spanish national team to the final of the World Cup against the current holders of the title, the Argentines, is accompanied by enormous pressure. However, the head coach of the Spaniards, Luis de la Fuente, exudes complete confidence. Ahead of the showdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the coach ticked all the boxes about the state of the team and his personal struggles. The main reason for fans' concern in recent days was the news about 19-year-old Lamin Yamal, who was spotted in training with a bandaged left thigh after the semi-final match against France. However, De la Fuente categorically dismissed any concerns about the health of a key player. "Today he participated in training with other teammates and everything is fine with him. He is in optimal shape," the coach repeatedly emphasized to reporters. As the final brings together the young Yamal and the legendary Lionel Messi (who have a famous joint photo from 2007, where the Argentine holds the baby Lamin) on the same field, the press is actively discussing the possible transfer of the crown. De la Fuente strongly opposes his player dwelling on such parallels and feeling the added pressure. "Lamine should be Lamine. Messi is a unique player in history and he is an example, a role model for the youth, but I insist that Lamine should be himself. The best way to support him is to help him become the person we know today, because he has great potential and a great future," said the Spain manager. What's really striking about De la Fuente's behavior before the final is his attitude to external factors. Neither the level of difficulty of the opponent, nor the quality of the turf, nor even the possible threat of smoke in the New Jersey air bothers him. The only problem he talks about with great excitement lies beyond the football field: logistics. The fact is that after the press conference and media events in New York, the coach needs to return to the team's camp by air. "I'm nervous because we're coming back by helicopter. We came here by helicopter and we're going to have to fly it to get back, and that worries me a lot," De la Fuente admitted in all seriousness. Despite the phobia, the coach emphasizes his overall positive attitude before the most important match in his career: "As for everything else, I'm calm. I'm lucky to be in this situation, and I insist: we just want to enjoy this amazing moment," the 65-year-old specialist summed up. It will be recalled that earlier it became known that Slavko Vincic will work on the final of the 2026 World Cup between Spain and Argentina.