Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of the Spain men’s national team, stated on Monday that he “respects” Luis Rubiales’ decision to step down as president of the Spanish Football Federation. Rubiales’ resignation came after he caused controversy by kissing a Women’s World Cup player on the lips.
Rubiales resigned from his position on Sunday, three weeks after forcibly kissing Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso during her team’s World Cup victory on August 20 in Sydney. The incident occurred in Australia.
The incident caused a level of outrage that had never been seen before, and Rubiales was provisionally suspended by FIFA for a period of ninety days. Additionally, on Monday, a judge at the highest criminal court in the country started an investigation into Rubiales.
At a news conference held before Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Cyprus in Granada, de la Fuente stated, “(I have) the utmost respect for the decision of Luis Rubiales.”
The coach, who is 62 years old, did not want to discuss the Rubiales incident, which he was also criticized for when he applauded the former federation president during an angry defensive speech in which he swore not to resign. However, the coach did not want to talk about the scandal.
De la Fuente stated that he intended to put his attention solely on football and that he was unaware of the specifics of the procedure to select a successor to Rubiales.
“I think that the calmer we professionals are, the better,” De la Fuente continued.
“I don’t know about the times, but we will continue to think about football, football, and football.
If God wills it, we’ll be toiling away at Euro 2024 and giving that competition our whole attention.
On Friday, Spain dominated Georgia with a 7-1 victory in Tbilisi. As a result, Spain is now in second place in qualification Group A, trailing only Scotland.
Lamine Yamal, a winger for Barcelona who is only 16 years old, became Spain’s youngest ever player and scored a goal in the resounding victory.
According to De la Fuente, the more experienced players look out for the newer players and provide them with a variety of different types of support.
“Now it is up to Yamal to realize his full potential, and along the way he will experience both highs and lows.
“He will have his low moments, and we don’t have to be so cruel; however, take it as a normal part of his development — we are delighted with him,” said his parents.