On the lower level of the Spanish football federation offices in Las Rozas stand two classrooms filled with portraits of every player who has appeared for la selección. More than 800 figures line the walls and spill into the hallway, yet the current World Cup coach is absent from them. Luis de la Fuente's international career concluded at under-21 level, leaving his image out, which he regrets - "I used to have hair like this," he notes while shaping flowing strands with his hands - though the site remains familiar. This is where he once taught and also where he absorbed lessons, his students not the sole ones advancing to prominent roles.

The European Championship-winning manager relaxes on a sofa in a compact room upstairs. With his squad selected, these mark the last moments before departure to Chattanooga. Periods of anticipation and assessing fitness as players arrive: 20 on day one, Pedro Porro next, then Yéremy Pino, followed by Mikel Merino and finally those from the Champions League final. Time to absorb the occasion - "I am thrilled to head to a World Cup" - while feeling pride as well.

Spain sent not only Fabián Ruiz, David Raya and Martín Zubimendi to Budapest but also coaches Luis Enrique, De la Fuente's forerunner, and Mikel Arteta. Three days prior Iñigo Pérez guided Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final. The prior week Unai Emery claimed the Europa League. Pep Guardiola departed as one of the Premier League's most impactful managers. Xabi Alonso joined Chelsea and Andoni Iraola took Liverpool. De la Fuente stresses this outcome "is no accident".

"This development traces back years; finally appreciation appears to be growing," he observes. "Such recognition was overdue. Trophies make it clearer, yet the structured growth, methods and efforts by regional and national coaching programs always served as a model."

He has witnessed this legacy passed forward, finding fulfillment beyond victories. Not every coach trained here, but Spain's football environment influenced them, an approach the national boss values. Iraola and Alonso began among these portraits, as did Lionel Scaloni, coach of the recent Copa América winners Argentina, plus others. De la Fuente instructed many, shaping their paths and his own through guidance that carried into his under-19 and under-21 roles.

De la Fuente led sessions for three years starting in 2017, facing familiar names: more recognizable than he was initially. While handling junior squads he covered two topics on the federation's Uefa pro licence course: football's development and squad construction. Front-row attendees included Montse Tomé, assistant during Spain women's 2023 World Cup triumph, and Scaloni. Rear seats held Joan Capdevila, the group's humorist.

"It resembled school with attentive students upfront and livelier ones behind," De la Fuente recalls. Capdevila stood out as "witty and quick with remarks," while Scaloni left a strong impression too. He remembers them all, brightening at each recalled name from an impressive roster including Laura del Río alongside Leo and Montse, plus Xavi Hernández, Raúl, Victor Valdés, Albert Riera, Xabi and his brother Mikel, Alessio Lisci, Mauro Silva, Walter Pandiani, Javier Saviola, Pablo Amo who later assisted him, Andoni, Gica Craioveanu and Manuel Pablo.

"It would be simple to claim Scaloni excelled, yet it holds true some showed extra spark. That drive to question ideas: 'I do not agree.' Scaloni debated constantly. Our journeys align: he rose from under-20s to seniors and claimed every honor. We both needed repeated wins or faced removal. What he managed with Argentina was immense. I relate to Leo through shared trials, his calm outlook and refusal to exaggerate matters."

Within six years the teacher and student became continental and South American champions. Those feats might have led to a reunion at the Finalissima in Qatar last March, but conflict delayed it. Other dates were considered without success. "Two sides cannot meet if one declines; we were eager," De la Fuente notes. "A shame. Politics should not interfere this summer as football unites varied beliefs and backgrounds. Seeing Leo at the World Cup for a greeting would be welcome."

The title holders face the top contenders, all rooted here. "Who could have predicted," De la Fuente adds. His initial senior post arrived past age 60 after a decade in youth setups. Scaloni was 40 when promoted without club experience. "Life offers such opportunities. Nothing came easily; it required constant effort."

Without his students De la Fuente doubts he would hold this position. "They offered fresh perspectives and energy. For me it remains ongoing learning. Instruction always appealed; I completed courses in Bilbao and Sevilla before joining the federation. Discussing football with Xabi, Xavi, Raúl and Scaloni proved rewarding. Interaction helped me gain much. It became mutual exchange among 30 participants. Their input kept me prepared and improved afterward. Beyond tactics it concerns life lessons. I learned to streamline and focus practically."

"Ultimately athletic triumphs fade. Yet I recall my own instructors. Thus at the RFEF I viewed my duty as developing individuals."

De la Fuente pauses and indicates his glasses on the table. "Could you hand me my glasses please? Thank you," he says. "Players notice when the manager uses polite words. It involves teaching values and standards. Boundaries matter. I share history with many current players from earlier youth days: Álvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, Unai Simón, Fabián, Rodrigo, Marc Cucurella, Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal. In this way I serve as more than a coach."

"Within any group selfishness has no place; personal bonds provide power. We called the squad a family and players adopted the term naturally. The 2010 World Cup side shares this unity, our current goal. Vicente del Bosque described similar traits that match us now."

Such supportive duties prove vital with Lamine Yamal, selected at 16 while completing studies and now starring at 18 amid intense scrutiny. A hamstring injury since April raises concerns; he expressed relief it was not worse and fear of missing the tournament.

"Recovery progresses quickly, surpassing expectations," De la Fuente reports. "He may feature in the opener, though we will assess whether limited minutes or rest until game two suits better." He nods toward psychologist Javier López Vallejo seated nearby. "This role holds great value."

The surrounding group matters too, beginning with mutual respect. "Seek those without ego or conflict. Between a talented player of good character and one lacking it, the choice is clear. Youth absorb veteran wisdom while elders gain from youthful drive. Seniors guide conduct: 'That is not our way.' Trust enables such feedback."

"Lamine seems destined for this. His bold nature handles pressure that might overwhelm others. These talents possess special qualities. Many promising players fade because success demands more than skill alone. At 16 during the Euros and now 18, he manages heavy attention with minimal missteps. One error draws focus unfairly. Hours with medical staff, diet experts, mental coaches and trainers reflect dedication and principles."

"Players show high intelligence and some receive rare gifts. Lamine and Messi belong to that group."

A famous infant photo shows Yamal blessed by Messi. De la Fuente smiles. "Messi may have held many babies. It could be coincidence. Yet for believers, chance serves as God's way of remaining anonymous. Everything occurs with purpose."

Is Yamal Messi's heir? "Messi represents lofty praise. He has been, remains and will stay the essence of football."

The finest player witnessed? "Johan Cruyff always impressed me. Sharing a pitch with Maradona felt unreal. Times differed then, far more physical with players targeted aggressively. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo achieve the extraordinary today. Conditions have evolved with better surfaces and gear, yet Cruyff would still excel. We trained by running hills for hours; modern players might struggle in that era."

De la Fuente chuckles while considering football's changes. "Fridays meant beans or steak. Post-training the Athletic Bilbao squad gathered at the Lezama bar for drinks, tortilla and peppers before resting ahead of matches. Much analysis exists now, yet I hold a traditional view of the game even as it advances and I adapt with it. Experience provides clearer tools for implementing ideas. Learning continues always."