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The head coach of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente, has strongly criticised the behaviour of several Argentina players following Spain’s victory in the World Cup final.
In an interview with Spanish public broadcaster TVE, de la Fuente described Argentina’s actions after the final whistle as “intolerable and unacceptable” and praised his own players for keeping their composure.
“At the time I didn’t realise, because I was celebrating with other people, hugging team-mates. In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that calibre, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent coach,” de la Fuente said.
The Spain boss said he was disappointed by the conduct of several Argentine players, referring to the closing stages of the game, when a number of on-pitch incidents created a highly charged atmosphere and led to the dismissal of Argentina’s Enzo Fernández.
“It cannot be allowed,” he added.
De la Fuente also commended his players for the way they handled the situation.
“I want to highlight our behaviour in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation. Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals,” he told the outlet.
His comments come after FIFA announced the opening of a disciplinary investigation into the incidents at MetLife Stadium.
Looking back at the tournament
During the interview, de la Fuente looked back on Spain’s path to the trophy, dishing out particular praise for certain players and stressing that the biggest challenges extended beyond the opposition.
“It has been 24,000 kilometres, humidity, little rest… All of that process, beyond the opponents, is what you have to overcome,” he said.
Speaking about Rodri, the tournament’s Golden Ball winner, he added: “To ‘doubt’ the Manchester City midfielder is ‘an insult to footballing intelligence.'”
On Lamine Yamal, de la Fuente said the tournament had helped the young star mature, especially in terms of his willingness to sacrifice for the team.
Looking ahead, de la Fuente added that leading Spain at the 2030 World Cup would be “the greatest source of pride for any coach”, although he insisted that his immediate priority was Spain’s upcoming fixtures in September and October.
He ended by thanking supporters for their backing during the tournament: “I want to thank the whole country for being so invested in us. Even from afar we have felt your support. It is a huge source of pride to be Spanish. Thank you, Spain.”