Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti? Spain boss Luis de la Fuente chooses between legendary managers
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has picked Real Madrid tactician Carlo Ancelotti ahead of his legendary compatriot Pep Guardiola, who manages Manchester City. De La Fuente's side are into the Euro 2024 semi-finals - where they play France in Munich on Tuesday (July 9) - after eliminating hosts Germany 2-1 in extra time.
In a hard-fought blockbuster heavyweight matchup in Stuttgart, La Roja went ahead through substitute Dani Olmo's 51st-minute opener. Just when it looked like they had done enough to seal their passage to the next round, Germany substitute Florian Wirtz drilled in an 89th-minute equaliser to force extra time.
With penalties looming, Olmo set up Mikel Merino in the 119th minute to send De la Fuente's side through, breaking German hearts. Ahead of another blockbuster showdown - this time with 2018 FIFA World Cup champions France - the Spain boss made his preference known between Guardiola and Ancelotti (Carousel via Madrid Zone):
“Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti? Ancelotti.”
La Roja are looking to become the first side in European Championship history to win four titles, with their last coming in 2012 following a 4-0 win over Italy in Kiev.
"We are absolutely convinced we get very far with this team" - Spain boss Luis de la Fuente ahead of Euro 2024 SF
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is undoubtedly pleased with his side reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2024. The three-time winners are the only team to win all five games in the competition and are strong favourites to go all the way.
Following the thrilling win over Germany, De la Fuente expressed his pride to represent his country and adding that he has great expectations from the current crop of talent at his disposal, telling UEFA.com:
"This is a historic night. I'm proud to be able to represent our country. How far we get, we will see, but we're absolutely convinced that we can get very far with this team."
"My players are insatiable. I'm proud to coach players like this. I've known many of them for many years. They're used to competing at the highest level and they have an opportunity to win (the tournament). This team are always going to compete. There’s always room for improvement, of course, but we can't question their pride, quality and commitment."
With 11 goals, La Roja are the join top scoring team - also Germany - at the ongoing European Championship as they move within two wins of a perfect title-winning campaign.