De la Fuente: the origins of a world champion | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente has taken Spain to a second star as world champions, a feat last matched by Vicente del Bosque in 2010. As reported by as.com, his coaching journey began modestly in Bizkaia in 1995-96.

He was assistant to the historic Iñigo Liceranzu at CD Getxo when the chance arose to step up as head coach. De la Fuente did not yet hold a coaching licence. Then-president Fernando Fresno recalls asking him to take charge of Algorta, the former name of Getxo B.

De la Fuente accepted and steered a team hovering near relegation to safety, and Fresno felt even then that he would become an excellent coach. The following season he led Getxo’s Juvenil Nacional and took them to the Netherlands for pre-season, a landmark for the Margen Derecha club.

Algorta included players such as Aitor Pradales, brother of the current lehendakari, Imanol. Fresno says De la Fuente forged a close-knit group, similar to the togetherness seen with the national team at the recent World Cup.

After Getxo, he moved to Portugalete for a fresh challenge in the Biscayan dugouts. Fresno remains in contact and notes that Club Deportivo Getxo will mark their centenary in 2027, hoping the world champion coach can attend. A return to Fadura, where his managerial journey began, would be especially meaningful.

Source: as.com