From academy to Black Forest, De la Fuente has long planned Spanish success Deccan HeraldExcitement and stoicism in Spain as country prepares for Euro 2024 final The GuardianEuro 2024 Final: How Spain versus England stacks up beyond the football Business StandardSpanish football's cultural crisis is not over – but Euro 2024 brings hope The IndependentSpain: Take our quiz on Euro 2012 final BBC.com
The man mocked on social media as "Luis de la Who?" after his appointment is now hoping for a perfect end to his project. A former hard-working fullback who made a career in the Basque region at Athletic Bilbao, De la Fuente is a low-key, businesslike and orderly man. His iron discipline is reflected in his bodybuilder physique, thanks to hitting the gym every day while most of his players are still in bed. His demeanour is one of a man with no time to waste and purpose in all he does. Unknown to many…