The conversation also turned to the emotional toll of Gavi’s long-term injury struggles at Barcelona. De la Fuente admitted the situation was devastating for the entire Spain squad, saying: "His injury was one of the toughest moments in our experience. Personally, it was incredibly difficult, and for his teammates as well. We experienced it with great pain, as if a family member had suffered an accident. He is a player very dear to all of us."
In more positive news, the coach provided a reassuring update on Manchester City's Rodri, who has been working his way back to full fitness. De la Fuente added: "He's in a better place now and I'm not worried because I see his recovery is very good, he's going to continue playing these next few months, and he's already playing normally for his club. He's a world-class player, the best, and along with [Martin] Zubimendi, one of the two best midfielders in the world."