From master to pupil: De la Fuente faces Scaloni in World Cup final

A warm embrace, not a polite handshake, marked the FIFA press conference last night, where Luis de la Fuente of Spain and Lionel Scaloni of Argentina revealed a shared past as they prepare to meet in Sunday’s World Cup final. The moment underscored the personal story behind the tournament’s biggest match. Nine years ago, De la Fuente and Scaloni were master and pupil at a coaching course in Las Rozas, the site of the Spanish federation’s headquarters in Zeist. Their early connection now frames the upcoming final between the two nations. Now 65, De la Fuente taught the coaching trade to a class that included Spanish stars Xavi, Raúl and Victor Valdés, alongside the then‑39‑year‑old Scaloni. The session was described as a glimpse into a former life for the veteran coach. Scaloni, after a playing career at Deportivo La Coruña, Real Mallorca and Racing Santander, remained in Spain to earn his UEFA Pro licence. Under De la Fuente he studied Tactics and Systems, completing the course among the top five students.

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Both coaches rose through national federation pathways. Scaloni never led a club side; he served as assistant to Jorge Sampaoli, then interim coach and briefly under‑20 manager for Argentina. De la Fuente began at club level with Portugalete and Aurrerá before two spells at Athletic Club. De la Fuente entered the Spanish federation in 2013, guiding the under‑19, under‑21 and Olympic teams, the latter winning silver in Tokyo. He succeeded Luis Enrique in 2022, captured the European Championship, and now stands at the helm for the World Cup final.

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Reflecting on his class, De la Fuente recalled “class clowns” such as former left‑back Joan Capdevila alongside more serious types. Scaloni praised his former teacher, saying, “Luis was a support and confidant for us on the course.” Former player and trainer Hedwiges Maduro observed that Spanish football thinks in systems while Argentine play focuses on the individual, especially Lionel Messi. He added that Scaloni is tactically strong, citing his ability to neutralise England’s pressure and his inventive ball‑possession approach.