A great responsibility

When I have time, I like to go out on my bike. It is my time to unwind.

There I find myself. I reflect, think more clearly and resolve situations I haven’t fully defined. Above all, I have a lot of fun. Plus, I am from Asturias – a region in Spain that is paradise for practising sports in the heart of nature.

Since I became Spain’s national team coach, however, I haven’t been able to ride my bike as much as I would like. But I understand the responsibility of this position and how it requires you to dedicate the maximum amount of time and effort.

I still have vivid memories of being named national team coach. The first thing I did that day – September 5 2023 – was to share the news with my family, friends and the coaching staff. It was an incredible feeling. We then quickly got our bearings and began working to build the team.

Naming the first squad was difficult, especially after winning a World Cup, because the level of all the players was so high. Nonetheless, it was necessary to evaluate who was in the best form at that moment.

“I seek a feeling of flow, of reading the game and sensing how the players are doing”

We analysed which players we could count on for our first matchday and plan our style of play – my footballing vision and how to convey it. I like the possession-based style of play because it is the style of football I experienced as a player, and have experienced everywhere I have been as a coach.

I also like to think about what spaces we can take advantage of, so I always think about the players, because they each have their own characteristics. And so my approach for the first squad I selected was to build it based on the players, and the opponents we were going to face: Sweden, Switzerland and Italy.

Calling up players was followed by my first game as head coach. I already had experience on the national team’s coaching staff and in major competitions. But being head coach comes with much greater responsibility. I tried to enjoy the moment, even though it wasn’t easy.

When I am in football – that is, connected to the game – I seek a feeling of flow, of reading the game and sensing how the players are doing. My goal is to give 100 per cent as a coach.

“I’m not sure what happened, but I had lost my usual voice”

First place in our Nations League group took us to the competition’s last four in Seville in February 2024. It was my first major competition as head coach, but I went into it without a voice. I’m not sure what happened, but I had lost my usual voice. Nothing, however, could deflect us from our goal.

We were playing at home, and against the best teams in Europe. Actually, we played two top-level matches.

In the semi finals, we played the Netherlands. They were opponents we knew quite well, having faced them in the 2023 World Cup quarter finals. The Netherlands were one of the teams who gave us the most trouble in that tournament, but we had won 2-1 on that occasion thanks to Salma Paralluelo’s extra-time goal.

So we prepared for the Nations League semi final, taking into account everything that happened in that World Cup game, since they had the same coach, Andries Jonker.

“We felt incredible energy from the players”

I am a coach who believes firmly in comprehensive preparation before games. My coaching staff and I analyse how to approach each game to get it right. I really enjoy those moments before the game, and the training camps with the players.

In the Nations League final four we felt incredible energy from the players, and they expressed their strength and commitment. Before both the semi final against the Netherlands and the final against France, communicating with the players about the game plan was crucial.

We designed each game by lines: defence, midfield, attack, outside lanes and centre. It was important to structure it this way, although we fine-tuned the nuances in each zone, as a team. That is our working method. In the Nations League final four and every game we played.

“Having that panoramic view allows them to confirm what is happening”

During games we like to communicate with the players at half-time. We use that time to let them share their feelings and what they are experiencing on the pitch. We also rely on video analysis.

From the stands, analysts and assistants can observe key details of the match – what is happening in the penalty area, defensive and attacking situations, and small strategic adjustments. Having that panoramic view allows them to confirm what is happening and propose concrete solutions. Ultimately, we use the break to exchange ideas with the players and help them approach the second half with more tools.

Lifting the Nations League trophy, after beating France 2-0 in the final, was confirmation that our work had paid off. I firmly believe that hard work is the foundation of everything. It doesn’t guarantee success, because you can prepare to the fullest and still not score. But it does provide confidence of having done everything possible to win.

When we won the Nations League in Seville, I felt fulfilled in many ways. I saw the happiness of the players, the coaching staff and everyone around me. It is an indescribable feeling, and all you want to do is enjoy it. Even more so when it is the first time you have won such an important trophy as a national team coach.

“For Spain it was a unique tournament”

Once it is over, however, you are already thinking about the next competition. That was the Olympic Games.

I tried to experience that competition for what it was: a historic moment and a different kind of experience within sport. The Olympic Games bring together all the sporting disciplines – although in our case we didn’t get to fully experience ‘Olympic life’, because we weren’t in the village in Paris. Perhaps that left us with a different feeling, but we approached it with tremendous enthusiasm, energy and desire.

For Spain it was a unique tournament, as we had qualified for the first time. It presented new challenges, such as playing every other day – something that required great adaptability. And we faced very strong opponents in the group stage. Japan arrived confident of having beaten us at the World Cup, while Nigeria and Brazil were top-level teams.

We advanced to the next round, then beat Colombia in the quarter finals after an incredible comeback, winning on penalties. But Brazil knocked us out in the semi finals.

“That is sport. We were facing opponents who were also doing things well”

My assessment of the Olympic Games is clear: we wanted to win, we had a team capable of competing at the highest level, and we fought for a medal. But when the result doesn’t come your way, you have to take a calm look. At the time the frustration was great, but if you look at it calmly, you see that the team gave their all. You also realise that, in key moments, some situations didn’t go our way. That made the difference.

That is sport. We were facing opponents who were also doing things well. The important thing is to learn and continue to evolve. We have the challenge of the 2025 Nations League Finals ahead of us in October, and our sights set on the European Championship this summer.

Taking over the leadership of a champion team that had just won the World Cup, all I could think about was how to keep that desire to win intact.

Fortunately, I have the great opportunity to work with a group of highly demanding and competitive players, which makes it easier to manage ambition and goals.

We are a team hungry for victory.