"I have good news, Pedri is back"

At the press conference ahead of Spain's friendly match against Andorra at the Nuevo Vivero stadium in Badajoz on Wednesday, De la Fuente said that we will have to see how these preparatory matches develop and if he confirms his idea or makes "another decision".

For this reason, he has refused to comment on the presence in the final list of players such as the Barcelona player Fermin, and described as "speculation" the fact that it is said that he was not among the 26.

As to whether he senses any particular nervousness among the players until the three players who will be left out are known, the Spanish coach said that the atmosphere is "exceptional" and what he sees is "competition, enthusiasm and the desire to show what they can do" regardless of whether or not they will be at the European Championship. He added that if they are there, they will be happy, and if not, "because their friends will stay behind".

He also referred to players such as Alvaro Morata and Pedri, whom he defended because "they don't have to prove anything" and insisted that in this preparatory stage for the EURO it is all about recovering from a demanding season and not putting anyone in shape.

He was particularly vehement about the Barcelona player: "I'm going to give you some good news," he replied to the journalist who had asked him about the Canary Islands player. "Pedri is back. He's full of enthusiasm, work and desire to prove himself, with energy. But, in any case, he's not at stake. He doesn't have to prove anything to me. I know him perfectly well. Our work plan with him and with other team-mates is to be ready for the 15th or the 20th. It's a different case for everyone".

 

June 4, 2024