Luis de la Fuente has spoken plainly. The Spanish coach has come down hard on the behaviour of several Argentine players and technical staff members following the World Cup final, describing their reactions as "intolerable and inadmissible" in an interview with TVE on Thursday. The criticism comes after FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation to analyse the incidents that occurred at MetLife in New Jersey, where Spain won 1-0.

De la Fuente's words against Argentina

During his television appearance, the national team coach was unequivocal in assessing what happened. "At that moment I didn't notice it, I was celebrating. In any case, it is something intolerable, inadmissible, it cannot be allowed," De la Fuente said, according to mundodeportivo.com.

The coach placed particular emphasis on the fact that footballers of Argentina's stature, under the direction of a world-class coach, should not allow themselves this kind of behaviour. "Footballers of that calibre, who have a great coach, who must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions... It is not tolerable," he stressed.

Spain's exemplary conduct in the face of provocations

Against this backdrop, De la Fuente took the opportunity to highlight the attitude of his players during the match. "I highlight our behaviour in the face of that type of aggression and provocations. Our players always maintained their composure as good sportsmen," the Madrid-born coach asserted, drawing a clear contrast between the two teams.

This message reflects the philosophy that the coach has instilled in the team: winning while maintaining composure and sporting values, something that appears to have been key to securing the world title.

Rodri and Lamine Yamal, the tournament's jewels

Beyond the controversy, De la Fuente had words of praise for two of his main pillars. On Rodrigo Hernández, World Cup Golden Ball winner after recovering from a significant knee injury, he was categorical: "With all due respect, but doubting Rodri was an insult to footballing intelligence. He is the best in the world in his position."

He was also "delighted" with the performance of Lamine Yamal, the young star barely 19 years old. De la Fuente believes this tournament will represent a qualitative leap in his development. "I think it will be a qualitative leap in his formation. He is already a footballer of fantastic calibre, but he is 19 years old and must continue to mature," he explained, confident that the values of sacrifice and solidarity he has demonstrated will help him improve considerably going forward.

Looking to 2030 World Cup with modesty

Looking ahead, the coach acknowledged it would be a "pride" to continue leading the national team at the next World Cup, to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. However, he was pragmatic: "It would be the greatest pride for a coach. But now I am very short-term focused. I am thinking about the matches in September and October."

De la Fuente also joked about the promises his players made in case of winning. Marc Cucurella promised to get a tattoo of the coach's face, something the coach took with humour: "I told him he's crazy. But whoever makes a promise must keep it and he is a man of his word."

What is clear is that Spain has won not only a tournament, but also respect for maintaining its principles along the way. Will that be enough for the relevant bodies to sanction Argentina's behaviour in the way De la Fuente considers appropriate?