De la Fuente hails Bielsa's influence and Oyarzabal's brilliance as Spain faces Uruguay in World Cup group finale
Ahead of Spain's decisive Group H match against Uruguay, head coach Luis de la Fuente recalled the months he spent learning from Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao and made an impassioned defence of forward Mikel Oyarzabal.
Bielsa's influence
When Marcelo Bielsa took over at Athletic Bilbao, Luis de la Fuente was out of work. The future Spain coach spent five or six months attending every training session at Lezama, recording them all.
De la Fuente singled out the unforgettable night at Old Trafford where Athletic dismantled Manchester United. He added that Bielsa has evolved tactically since then, moving from full-field man-to-man marking to applying it only in specific zones. The Uruguay coach, he noted, still demands high intensity but with more flexibility.I have been and remain a great admirer of Bielsa. I learned a lot from him. He has been a very innovative coach in many footballing aspects.
Oyarzabal recognition
The press conference turned into a platform for praising Mikel Oyarzabal, scorer of two goals in Spain's 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia. De la Fuente interrupted his own answer to declare:
He described the Real Sociedad forward as exceptionally intelligent, one of the best players in the world at interpreting space between lines, on the wing and as a central striker. Oyarzabal is Spain's leading scorer since De la Fuente took charge.Finally we are recognising Oyarzabal in Spain – finally, thank you.
Team selection and philosophy
Spain need only a draw against Uruguay to secure first place in the group, but De la Fuente dismissed any notion of holding back or speculating on a later round.
He indicated the starting eleven will be largely unchanged after a comfortable performance against Saudi Arabia.I only know how to live each day to win.
The coach insisted his side must be true to its identity regardless of the opponent, adding that the early draw with Cape Verde served as a valuable lesson for a squad still adjusting to tournament football.The other day's performance does not invite changes.
Uruguay under pressure
Uruguay have drawn both of their opening matches and head into the fixture at Estadio Akron knowing only a win guarantees progression to the round of 32. De la Fuente expects a fiercely physical contest but rejected the idea of personal animosity between players such as Valverde and Baena.
The Spain squad received an emotional welcome from Mexican fans in Guadalajara, and the coach said the atmosphere left him without words.Toughness is intrinsic to football. It will be a match of great intensity, as is natural in a World Cup.
