‘It’s not normal, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history,’ says Spain boss as Euro winner reveals contract woes
SPAIN’S manager insists his contract situation is “not normal” after winning Euro 2024.
Luis de la Fuente stepped up from his national team’s Under-21s boss to take over from Luis Enrique as the senior gaffer in December 2022.
De La Fuente successfully ensured Spain qualified for the Euros, winning seven of their eight matches to book their spot in Germany.
His initial contract took him up to the end of the summer tournament.
However, he put pen to paper on a new deal at the beginning of June until the 2026 World Cup.
But despite leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory – beating England 2-1 in July’s final in Berlin – De La Fuente has still not been rewarded with an improved contract with no pay rise or extension.
Reports suggest the Spanish FA and De La Fuente’s representatives are in talks to seal a new deal to take him through to Euro 2028 where he will try and defend the title.
But for now, the manager is stunned by the lack of progress – and suggested Enrique would not be treated in the same way if he had led Spain to the major honour.
De La Fuente – who won two LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey as a left-back with Athletic Bilbao in the 1980s – said: “It’s not normal for a European champion to be without a contract.
“I don’t know if the same thing would have happened with Luis Enrique.
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“I’ve had offers, as is normal.
“What’s not normal is that the current European champion, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history, is without a contract.
“I have the same conditions as when I was promoted from the U21s.
“It would have been fair if I had signed the contract already.”
Spain beat Germany and France before downing the Three Lions at Euro 2024.
In their two matches since being crowned champions, La Roja drew 0-0 with Serbia then beat Switzerland 4-1 despite playing with ten men for 70 minutes.
They face Denmark on Saturday in their next Nations League fixture before hosting Serbia on Tuesday.