New Spain manager Luis de la Fuente talks Busquets, Gavi, Eric Garcia, Pablo Torre

Spain’s recent exit from the FIFA World Cup 2022 has sparked a change in the national team setup as Luis Enrique stepped down from the managerial post. He has since been replaced by Luis de la Fuente.

The 61-year-old had been the manager of La Roja’s Under-21 setup until recently and has now been given an opportunity with the senior team setup.

De la Fuente was unveiled as the manager earlier today following which he interacted with the media and answered several questions regarding the direction he wants to Spain national team to take under his leadership.

During the media interaction, the newly-appointed Spain manager also spoke about some Barcelona players and the roles that they will have in his project.

Sergio Busquets had been a trusted lieutenant of former boss Enrique and there have been reports that the 34-year-old Barcelona captain is closer to international retirement following Spain’s World Cup exit.

However, de la Fuente insisted that he would be happy to see Busquets continue playing for Spain, saying (h/t RFEF Twitter):

“I’m happy that Busquets wants to continue and of course, I count on him, he’s a living history of football and not just in the past, in the present and the future and he can still contribute to Spanish football.”

On the potential and talent of Barcelona prodigy Gavi, who has become an integral member of the national team setup at the age of only 18, de la Fuente said:

“I’m glad there are players like him who jump the hurdles faster. He is a player who is developing faster than usual for a player of his age, he is a very important player.”

Another young Barcelona prospect, Pablo Torre, is someone that de la Fuente knows well, having coached him at the Under-21 national team level. On whether he sees him as the future of Spain, the new manager said:

“We bet on talented people like him. Even if he doesn’t have many minutes with his team, the things he can contribute will always be considered.”

De la Fuente also spoke highly of Barça defender Eric Garcia, claiming that the centre-back fits the bill perfectly for the plans he has with the national team.

“Eric Garcia fits perfectly with our idea, our style, and our game model, he will be an important player,” the 61-year-old said.