Luis de la Fuente Defends Rodri Amid Criticism
Luis de la Fuente did not bother with diplomacy. Faced with claims that Rodri is slowing Spain down, the national coach came out swinging.
After a flat 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in La Roja’s opening game of the 2026 World Cup, fingers were quickly pointed at the Manchester City midfielder. The accusation: his presence at the base of midfield blunts Spain’s transitions and drains tempo from their play.
De la Fuente was having none of it.
Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope, the Spain boss openly challenged the logic behind the criticism and moved swiftly to protect the player he considers untouchable in his system.
“Good heavens, please. For you to say things like this,” he said, clearly exasperated by the narrative building around his midfield anchor. “Some people can say one thing or another, but in any case, I find it highly insulting to say that about the best player in the world.”
That was not a throwaway line. De la Fuente doubled down, insisting that even a below-par Rodri operates at a level most midfielders can only watch from a distance.
“Rodrigo is the best player in the world, and even at 50% he's much better than most midfielders in the world. Even at 50%,” he continued. “And with us, he's a player of exceptional importance, with fantastic clarity and vision, balance. Rodrigo is a guiding light for us.”
The message was unmistakable: if Spain misfired in front of goal against Cape Verde, don’t look to the holding midfielder as the easy scapegoat.
De la Fuente then widened the debate. For him, the issue is not just about one player, but about how Spanish stars are treated compared with other global names. In his eyes, there is a double standard at work.
“Would they dare say that about other players who are also considered among the best in the world? Would they dare? I don't think so,” he said. “But since they're Spanish, and you can say things about our players that you don't say about others.”
The coach has thrown down a clear marker early in this World Cup: question Spain’s style if you like, dissect the 0-0 if you must, but his midfield general is non-negotiable.
