On July 15, the finals of the Euro Cup and the Copa America are scheduled to take place on the same day. It’s worth noting that Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish coach, was actually Lionel Scaloni’s teacher in 2017 when the then 39-year-old Scaloni was pursuing his coaching license. A year later, he began coaching Argentina’s U20 team.
Lionel Scaloni’s Connection with Spain
Lionel Scaloni has a deep connection with Spain, having played for Deportivo La Coruna, Racing Santander, and Mallorca during his playing career, making Spain akin to his second home. Additionally, his wife Elisa Montero is Spanish, and they have two children together. However, his story with Luis de la Fuente dates back to November 16, 2017, when he was studying at the football city in Las Rozas, Madrid. The Spanish Football Federation offers courses for those aspiring to become coaches, including a special program for players who have spent at least eight years playing in Spain. There, Scaloni obtained his UEFA Pro License alongside former Argentine national team players Rolando Maradona and Fernando Redondo.
Scaloni’s Support for Spain in the Euro Cup
During the press conference before the Copa America semi-final against Canada, Scaloni said: “He (Luis de la Fuente) was my instructor during the coaching course, and obviously, I wish Spain all the best. Apart from being our professor, he helped us a lot in 2017 when we were students. He’s an outstanding person, and I’ve spoken to him, wishing him all the best. In fact, I’m delighted to see his players performing well; he’s doing a great job. Part of my family is Spanish, so I wish him success. Because they deserve it all, in this situation, I naturally lean towards supporting Spain.”
Luis de la Fuente on Coaching Education
“I was fortunate enough to conduct several coaching education courses at the time, nurturing a generation of footballers like Hernandez, Alonso, Raul, who have now become coaches. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of the development of a world-class coach like Lionel Scaloni,” Luis de la Fuente said ahead of the semi-final against France.
“Our relationship is excellent, and he’s a World Champion. Of course, there were some who questioned him initially due to his lack of experience. But now, he has made Argentina champions of both the Copa America and the World Cup, and he has another chance to win a title.”