Spanish football players publicly confronted journalists after their team, managed by Luis de la Fuente, secured a decisive 4-0 victory against Saudi Arabia. This win helped to erase the team’s earlier disappointment from a goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The Spanish press was critical of the team, particularly following their surprising performance in the first match. However, the players rebounded in their second group game, demonstrating their capabilities against Saudi Arabia.
After their first win in the tournament, the European champions voiced their frustrations with the media, blaming them for exaggerating their earlier missteps and seeking controversies.
Baena: “You Create Controversies and Take Things Out of Context!”
The press conferences led by Luis de la Fuente typically have a calm ambience, but this time tensions were evident. Some players expressed dissatisfaction with certain remarks made by the media, leading to outbursts in the mixed zone and beyond.
Alex Baena, who started against Saudi Arabia after not playing in the first match, was particularly outspoken. When asked if the win in Atlanta would alleviate fans’ concerns following the draw with Cape Verde, Baena responded, “You are the ones creating controversies and taking things out of context!”
He further criticized a journalist’s interpretation of a photo of teammate Lamine Yamal, stating, “Even when someone filmed Lamine and wrote that he looked sad, that was not the case. We were and still are happy, and the atmosphere in the locker room is very good. We knew the matches would be tough; at the World Cup, any team can defeat you.”
De la Fuente: “I Try Not to Listen or Read Anything, but Some Things Shouldn’t Be Said”
Baena emphasized that the team maintained a calm demeanor and executed their game plan effectively. He insisted there was no major tactical shift, stating, “We continue with the same routine.”
He also expressed that the match against Cape Verde was significant for many players, being their first World Cup experience. “That day, we lifted a weight off our shoulders, and in the next match, we showed what we are capable of. Now, our aim is not to lower our level.”
Luis de la Fuente supported Baena’s remarks, stating, “No one likes to have their work and skills questioned. The players’ reactions are understandable. I try not to listen or read anything, but I know there are things better left unsaid.”
