Spain's Luis de la Fuente praises Marcelo Bielsa before World Cup clash

Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente said he has long admired Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa, describing him as an "innovative trainer" and recalling a meeting in Madrid where they discussed football and other topics. Both men share a connection to Bilbao – de la Fuente grew up in the Athletic Bilbao youth system, while Bielsa once coached the club and is remembered for an entertaining spell there.

De la Fuente made the remarks ahead of Spain’s final Group H match at the World Cup in Guadalajara, where they face Uruguay. He stressed that the respect between the two coaches extends beyond the pitch, while also emphasizing that the teams will focus on the match itself.