Euro 2024: Can you provide information about Luis de la Fuente? What teams did he coach prior to Spain? When did he take on the role of head coach for the Spanish national team?

In what promises to be an exhilarating clash, England is eagerly anticipating their showdown with Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The Spanish team, led by the experienced Luis de la Fuente, will be aiming to secure their fourth European Championship title.

De la Fuente, a former defender for Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, took over as Spain’s head coach in December 2022, following the resignation of Luis Enrique. Enrique stepped down after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco in the round-of-16 clash at the 2022 World Cup.

Since taking charge, De la Fuente has already tasted success, guiding Spain to victory in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League. The team clinched the title by defeating Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw in the final.

Spain has been a force to be reckoned with in Euro 2024, impressing fans and pundits alike with their flawless performances. They have emerged victorious in every match on their journey to the final. After topping their group, scoring five goals and conceding none in three games, they overcame Georgia, Germany, and France to secure their place in the ultimate showdown against England.

Before his tenure with the national team, De la Fuente honed his coaching skills at various levels in Spain. He started his managerial career at Club Portugalete in the Spanish regional leagues before moving on to Aurrera, a third-tier side, in 2000. He then had stints with the youth teams of Sevilla (2001-05) and Athletic Bilbao (2005-06).

After managing Athletic Bilbao’s reserve team for several years, De la Fuente gained his first taste of top-flight experience as the coach of Alaves, the club where he had ended his playing career. Unfortunately, his time at Alaves was short-lived, as he was dismissed after just 11 games in charge in October 2011.

Following a two-year break from coaching, De la Fuente took charge of the Spain under-19 team in 2013. Under his guidance, the team clinched the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship title. He then progressed through the ranks, coaching the Spanish under-21 and under-23 sides. He even led Spain’s Olympic team at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 before being appointed as the head coach of the senior national team in 2022.

Prior to his coaching career, De la Fuente enjoyed a successful playing career, featuring in 254 matches in La Liga for Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla. He concluded his playing days at Alaves, a third-tier side, retiring at the age of 33.

As the stage is set for the Euro 2024 final, England and Spain are ready to battle it out for glory. With both teams boasting talented squads and determined coaches, football fans can expect a thrilling encounter that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the tournament.