Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed disappointment with the conduct of several Argentina players following his team's World Cup final victory, while also praising his own squad for keeping their composure.
In an interview with Spanish public broadcaster TVE, de la Fuente acknowledged that he didn't initially witness the incidents, but once he became aware, he felt the behavior fell below expectations for players of that caliber.
"At the time I didn't realize, because I was celebrating with other people," he said. "In any case, I find it difficult to understand from players of that level, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent coach."
The Spain boss was referring to the closing stages of the match, when several on-pitch incidents created a tense atmosphere and ultimately led to the dismissal of Argentina's Enzo Fernández.
He added that such conduct is not something he would want to see in football.
De la Fuente also took the opportunity to commend his players for their professionalism. "I want to highlight our behavior in the face of that kind of provocation. Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals."
During the interview, de la Fuente looked back on Spain's journey to the trophy, emphasizing that the challenges went beyond just the opposition.
"It has been 24,000 kilometers, humidity, little rest... All of that process, beyond the opponents, is what you have to overcome," he said.
On Rodri, the tournament's Golden Ball winner, de la Fuente was full of praise: "To doubt the Manchester City midfielder is an insult to footballing intelligence."
He also noted that the tournament helped Lamine Yamal mature, particularly in terms of his willingness to sacrifice for the team.
Looking ahead, de la Fuente said leading Spain at the 2030 World Cup would be "the greatest source of pride for any coach," though he insisted his immediate focus is on Spain's upcoming fixtures in September and October.
He closed by thanking supporters: "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."
