Behaving the same way

There is no great achievement without suffering.

This Spain side is prepared to overcome any setback, fight any adversity and enjoy themselves on the pitch. Always while carrying the utmost responsibility, professionalism and regard for the team.

That was the message we gave Spain’s players shortly before they walked on to the pitch for the Euro 2024 final against England, at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. But it wasn’t a new message to them, because it was already ingrained.

As a coach, it is clear to me that football belongs to the players. They are the main protagonists of everything that happens on the pitch. And so my most important job at that European Championship was to select good players. Players who could adapt and take on board ideas, without conflict, over how they interpret and adapt to different strategies. Above all, they needed a solid grasp of our fundamentals.

That was something we had plenty of knowledge of, because most of our players at the European Championship had been with us for a long time. We knew how they interpreted and developed any game plan, both offensively and defensively. In qualifying we had started to build a team based on knowing these players, while making a commitment to the future.

And it was a genuine commitment, with no posturing or pretence. It was about being faithful to our footballing principles. That meant giving opportunities to players who demanded them, through their type and talent.

“Everything we do is for the benefit of the team”

Our focus on young players was the result of having a deep knowledge of – and having worked with – Spanish grassroots football and academies. We continue to have a great relationship with players in the national team’s different age categories.

Among the younger players we took to the Euros, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal attracted a lot of attention. We had confidence in them, though, because we knew how they would perform in the roles we had asked of them. It was nothing new. The instruction was: “Feel comfortable, confident and calm, to display all the footballing potential you have.” We believed that was best for their development and performance, and for the benefit of the team.

Everything we do is for the benefit of the team. That is the leitmotif of our approach, of any demand or request we make. The most important thing is to benefit the team.

That is why we will select older players if they prove their worth. We don’t look at the age. That was the case with Jesús Navas (above). He was 39 at Euro 2024, and not only at a fantastic level, but still one of the best when he played.

In moments of maximum demand, you have to play down situations that can cause stress to the players. Yes, they should be aware of the responsibility and the requirements they have to meet, but stay calm. We went into the first game of the tournament with peace of mind, having done things well during the training camp.

That game against Croatia was a difficult game against a great opponent. It was also a game that meant a lot to us – winning 3-0 gave us more peace of mind. Then came a major test against Italy. It was a moment to confirm our good feeling, but we had to demand the best of ourselves in order to compete against a super team.

“This time we knew it was going to be completely different”

The Italy game gave us the boost we needed to feel capable of winning the tournament. They are very tough opponents, with great individuals and experience. But we produced one of our best performances and it ended 1-0. As well as winning the game, we had also won prestige; that felt important going forward.

Our group stage finished with a game against Albania. We had already qualified for the last 16, but it was another important game for the mentality and morale of the group. It was an opportunity to feature more players who had come with us to the Euros. In other words, to manage players who collectively needed to feel important.

But we didn’t want to give anything away in that game. It wasn't a case of rotation just to rest some players. We were convinced that the players we selected for the game could win it. The result was another 1-0 win.

In the round of 16 we faced Georgia, who we knew very well. We had played them in the qualifiers, with two convincing results against them. This time we knew it was going to be completely different. So it proved.

We didn’t have a very good start to the game and struggled to get into the rhythm and intensity. After 18 minutes we were 1-0 down, and as the half progressed that was how the scoreline stayed. It was then that Rodri did a masterful job. He stopped the ball for a few seconds in midfield to say: “Gentlemen, calm down.” From there the team was able to grow again.

We started to create chances again and score goals. Perhaps we needed that pause – to face the urgency of a result going against us, which we hadn’t had until that moment. That is what led us to keep believing in the way we play.

“We grew against opponents who pushed us to the limits of our physical strength”

In the quarter finals we had the motivation of facing Germany, the hosts. Spain had never beaten the hosts of any championship. In our conversations, we subtly sent out that message, so that people would pick up on the idea.

It proved to be a tough match against a very strong, physical opponent, in a very hostile atmosphere. Germany had high hopes of winning the championship at home, but they were up against a Spanish team that stood up to them. We were superior, but faced a lot of difficulties in the game.

One of them was an injury to Pedri, which slightly disrupted our initial control. The addition of Dani Olmo gave us dynamism, though. Step by step, we grew against opponents who pushed us to the limits of our physical strength.

Germany had exceptional physical strength, as well as technically gifted players. They equalised in the last few minutes, so we had to go into extra-time and through many difficult moments. We were aware that we were going to be pushed to the limit for 120 minutes. Having withstood everything Germany could throw at us, what better way to win such a tough match than in the last minute?

Our winning goal came from a wonderfully executed attacking move. Dani Olmo cut inside on the left to cross with his right foot, and Mikel Merino’s technique to head home was exceptional. Mikel is a great specialist, one of the best finishers in the world.

Germany had more control against us than our semi-final opponents, France.  Against the French we felt much more comfortable, with space to attack using the pace and verticality of our attacking players.

“The strength of a team lies in behaving in the same way regardless of the moment it is going through”

We knew it was going to be a totally different game and that we had a very important player missing – Dani Carvajal. There was no hesitation in bringing in Jesús Navas at right-back to play against Kylian Mbappé. We have always said that for the good of the group all the players have to feel important, and we had a united group throughout the Euros. Jesús had maintained a very high level and competed exceptionally well. He was always focused and an outlet on the flank – his speciality. He played a complete game.

For me, the strength of a team lies in behaving the same regardless of the moment it is going through – or at least, that there is not a very noticeable change. That is what we specialise in. We always play with the same intention, in the same way, exploiting the qualities of each player, regardless of the opponent, the situation or the moment of the match. We are faithful to that idea, that principle, and go for it to the limit.

That is what we showed in the semi final, coming from a goal down against France. The team didn’t give up. They continued with the same idea, which led to two great goals, especially the memorable equaliser from Lamine. We again brought out our best to beat a football superpower.

In the build-up to the Euros, the coaching staff were always aware of the potential of the team. Obviously, at this level, none of us would publicly state before a ball was kicked that we would win the tournament. We only committed to giving our all, demanding effort, dedication and commitment – to want to win, and be better every day. The players – many experiencing a major international tournament for the first time – would not be burdened with the expectation to win that sometimes blocks potential.

In the final against England, we knew we had an opportunity to make history. The team was mentally prepared and ready to achieve what they did. Nobody gave them anything. Everything was earned with effort, sacrifice, self-improvement, collective work and solidarity. It was an example of values and commitment that gives you strength and allows you to feel confident of achieving any goal.

In capital letters: WE ARE A FAMILY. Not just the players and coaching staff, but all the people on this journey who give us the strength, security, conviction and energy to overcome difficulties. That is what we did to win the Euros, and it is what we will continue to do.