A Shocking Twist: Spain’s Luis de la Fuente Contacted U.S. Soccer Days Before Winning Euro 2024
The world of soccer was stunned when Spain lifted the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy on Sunday, but the drama didn’t end there. Just days before this historic triumph, a bombshell report emerged: Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, had secretly reached out to U.S. Soccer about the vacant U.S. men’s national team job.
The revelation came from Massoud Roushandel, the president of Global Elite Sports Group, who told the Washington Post that he emailed U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker on Friday, expressing de la Fuente’s interest in the position. Vicente Montes, de la Fuente’s advisor and a close associate of Roushandel, was also involved in the email exchange. This surprising development occurred just two days after U.S. Soccer announced the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter following the team’s early exit from the Copa America.
- Luis de la Fuente inquired about the U.S. Soccer vacancy just days before winning UEFA Euro 2024, surprising the soccer world.
- De la Fuente’s interest in the USMNT job raised questions about whether it was a genuine desire or a strategic move to negotiate a better contract with the RFEF.
- The timing of de la Fuente’s contact with U.S. Soccer, right after winning the Euro 2024, hinted at possible leverage tactics.
- Reports suggest tension between de la Fuente and the RFEF due to financial support issues for the national team.
- De la Fuente’s success with Spain, including a UEFA Nations League title and Euro 2024 victory, made him a highly sought-after coaching candidate.
De la Fuente’s Interest: A Calculated Move or Genuine Desire?
This news sent shockwaves through the soccer world. De la Fuente, fresh off a UEFA Nations League title in 2023 and now a European champion, seemed like a perfect fit for the U.S. men’s national team. His coaching pedigree, coupled with his experience leading Spain to international glory, made him a highly sought-after candidate.
However, the timing of his contact with U.S. Soccer raises questions. Did de la Fuente truly have aspirations of coaching the USMNT, or was this a strategic maneuver to gain leverage in his negotiations with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)? The timing suggests that he might have been using the USMNT job as a bargaining chip to secure a more favorable contract with his current employer.
De la Fuente’s Grumbling with the RFEF: A Clash Over Finances
The report sheds light on a brewing tension between de la Fuente and the RFEF. Despite his recent successes, de la Fuente expressed dissatisfaction with the federation’s financial support of the national team in his pre-match press conference. He claimed that the federation had not been as supportive as he would have liked, stating, “No one has given us anything. When things cost so much, they are given even more value.”
His post-match comments further fueled speculation about his discontent with the RFEF. He declared, “I want to keep going and I think the [federation] wants me to keep going,” hinting at his desire to remain with Spain. However, his words suggested that the federation might need to recognize his value and provide him with more financial support after his recent European triumph.
A Potential Power Play: De la Fuente’s Leverage and the USMNT Job
De la Fuente’s contact with U.S. Soccer seems to be a calculated move to pressure the RFEF into offering him a more lucrative contract. He reportedly signed a new deal with Spain just last month, but his wages are reportedly significantly lower than he would have preferred.
Sources close to the situation believe that de la Fuente’s contact with U.S. Soccer was a way to signal to the RFEF that he has other options. By showcasing his desirability to another top-tier national team, he could potentially force the RFEF to renegotiate his contract and offer him a more substantial salary.
Analyzing De la Fuente’s Motives: Financial Incentives or Patriotic Duty?
While de la Fuente’s contact with U.S. Soccer has caused a stir, it’s important to consider the various angles of this story. De la Fuente’s motives could be a combination of financial incentives and a genuine desire to lead the USMNT to new heights.
It’s plausible that he saw a potential opportunity to coach a team with a growing pool of talent and the potential to become a global force. The allure of leading the USMNT to victory in the 2026 World Cup, held on home soil, could have been a significant factor in his decision.
U.S. Soccer’s Perspective: A High-Profile Coach in the Making
U.S. Soccer’s response to de la Fuente’s interest has been muted. Sporting director Matt Crocker has stated that the search for Gregg Berhalter’s successor is underway and will be “wide-ranging.” While U.S. Soccer might have been tempted to pursue de la Fuente, the timing of his contact could have made them hesitant.
The federation would likely want to avoid the appearance of engaging in a bidding war with the RFEF. Additionally, U.S. Soccer may be prioritizing other candidates who have shown a more sustained commitment to the USMNT program.
The Future: A New Chapter for Both Spain and the USMNT
De la Fuente’s contact with U.S. Soccer is a saga that is likely to continue unfolding in the coming months. The RFEF may be forced to make a decision about de la Fuente’s future, and U.S. Soccer will continue to search for a coach to lead the USMNT into a new era.
This development highlights the complexities of international soccer and the competitive nature of the coaching market. It remains to be seen whether de la Fuente’s ambitions will lead him to the USMNT or whether he will remain with Spain. One thing is certain: the world of soccer will be watching closely as this drama unfolds.
