"We would like to finish the game in 90 minutes, the less it lasts the better, but it is true that this circumstance can occur and they have more experience," Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish coach, said this Saturday in his appearance before the media in the eve of Spain-Croatia, final of the Nations League (8:45 p.m.).
"In a final it is a vital experience and you have to arrive psychologically whole. The physique marks a lot but the head sets the tone mainly in those extreme situations that Croatia handles well," he added.
According to the coach, in charge since December of last year, almost always questioned, the outcome of the third edition of the competition "is an even final" that will measure the "two best in Europe today."
"I see the final as very even. Each team with its characteristics, with positive aspects and others that need to be polished, but an even final between two great teams, the two best in Europe today. Given this approach, we will exploit our weapons. defect, we must manage to make it a virtue so that our potential is superior to our rival".
"I see my team in the best moment of the season. The physical aspect is surpassed by the mental aspect. We are so motivated and want to play this game so much that I have to stop them in training, where they play at breakneck speed I'm very calm", he added, without revealing the starting eleven.
He also praised Rodri, "the best midfielder in the world right now", in contrast to Modric, whom he described as a legend. ""They are two stars, two out of series. Luka is a player who, not only because of his background, but also because of his current performance, is a world top player. Two of the best in the world for sure."
Rodri picked up the glove. "Busquets has followed his path, he has marked an era in the national team and in his club, the best in his position of all time. I want to lead my path. I have been lucky enough to live with and learn from him, but I want to take my my way through the national team, getting infected with the leadership he had, the dregs on the field, but being the player I want to become and I will always try".
Considered the main actor in Manchester City's run towards the Champions League title, Rodri declared himself to be in exceptional shape.
"I think I'm in the best moment of my career in terms of football maturity, in winning titles, having lived important experiences. It's a moment that I want to extend after beating Italy, and in a new final in which I have to transmit to the group the importance of not losing these opportunities. It would be an unforgettable season if we win and very special for me."
Dominik Livakovic, Croatian goalkeeper, clung to the reflection that De la Fuente had launched: "We have won most of the last games that have gone to extra time. I think that the recipe for our success is that we really behave as a true group "We show great unity, we are like a family, and I think this is one of the main reasons. We support each other and give our best every time we play with the Croatian team," he said, not forgetting that in recent years , the Croatians have always been aspirants to everything (runners-up in the world in 2018 and third in 2022).
"We already have a bronze and a silver medal. We have come to get the gold."
