The match between Croatia and Spain in the League of Nations takes place on Tuesday at Poljud starting at 20:45. The day before the match, on Monday evening, the Spanish team held a press conference in the cinema hall of the stadium at Poljud.
Spain did not train at Poljud. They trained in the morning in Las Rozas, a suburb of Madrid, and upon arrival in Croatia, they only attended to media obligations.
Olmo stated that he expects an even more dangerous Croatia, with fans fully supporting their team, which will not be comfortable for Spain. He highlighted that they have played against Croatia many times and know what to expect, and that Spain will fight hard to secure three points. The 0-7 result, which Croatia previously suffered against England, is not realistic in his view, and he admitted that they were surprised when they saw it. Despite this, he believes that Croatia has very good players and an excellent team, and that tomorrow will surely see a reaction.
Olmo also reflected on his connection with Croatia. He stated that he had been at Poljud as a player, having played against Hajduk, but never against the Croatian national team. He said that one of the hardest decisions in his life led him to Dinamo, where one of the best moments of his career occurred. He grew up with the club, and in Croatia, he only had his mother. He keeps that period of his life in his heart and is now happy to be in Croatia again. He added that the atmosphere will surely be hot, with passionate fans, and that it will not be easy for him, but he hopes to show his best self, as his family and friends will be watching. He is eagerly awaiting the match.
He spoke of Lamini Yamal, saying that he improves from match to match, season to season, becoming better and more mature, setting standards. It is not just about the game and goals, but he is a perfectionist, and Spain is very pleased with his good form.
Coach Luis de la Fuente stated that he expects an excellent team from Croatia, reminding that Croatia were finalists and semi-finalists in world championships. What happened to Croatia recently was described by him as a common mishap in football, judging that it is not a true reflection of their greatness, but that result could be demotivating. He said that they are eager for the match and want to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Speaking of the squad, de la Fuente highlighted that they always play those who can best perform, and in this format, there are many matches in a short time. No one will play more than three matches out of four, and Lamini Yamal has played two out of three. Yamal, he said, is in a fantastic moment and in the same status as others who are in excellent form, but he always looks a bit anxious because he wants to be the best.
The coach was very critical of the schedule of four matches in ten days, judging that with all the travel, it is simply too much, and he preferred the previous format. He stressed that they are not making excuses, that football is here today, and tomorrow it will be in another city, and they are ready for anything. In life, one loses more than they gain, and Spain has had a successful run, which they will accept normally when it comes to an end. They are focused on what they can control and always keep both feet on the ground.
The coach said that he fully understands that this moment does not depend on him, and that it is a player who adapts to all conditions. They want to introduce a player who they judge will be the best at that moment, and the plan for the match will be decided tonight, when they will see if Olmo will start from the first minute or later. Olmo is a special place and people love him very much, the coach added.
De la Fuente highlighted that they always wanted to achieve continuity with players who have been with them from the start, which has made them a united team. They have continuity of players who have been with them since their early days, which is their philosophy of work, and the base is very good and solid, with new talented players still arriving. Players love hot atmospheres, and Spain will play against a great team that will be very motivated. They expect a fantastic atmosphere and believe that everyone will enjoy it. He likes, he says, to feel the heat from the stands, when people are cheering against them, as at San Mames.
