Real Madrid News
De la Fuente’s message to Dean Huijsen after Spain NT return: ‘Must always work with the aim of improving’
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has announced his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen among the players returning to the national team.
Spain will play four Nations League matches during the next international break, with De la Fuente naming his first squad since the team became two-time world champions.
There were few major surprises, although Huijsen’s inclusion was notable after the defender missed out on the World Cup.
De la Fuente welcomes Huijsen back
Speaking to the press after the announcement of the squad, De la Fuente welcomed Huijsen back to the squad, along with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, who missed the World Cup with injury.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the effort they put in to earn a place in the national team. They work hard and give it their all. They’re a fantastic group, both on and off the pitch,” he said, as quoted by AS.
“Both Dean and Fermin – who suffered an unfortunate injury, as all injuries are – can enjoy that experience,” the Spain boss added.
De la Fuente further spoke about Huijsen’s return and explained what he wanted to see from the Real Madrid defender going forward.
“He looks great, which is why we’re betting on him. The player who performs consistently performs better,” he said.
“A footballer must understand that competition makes him better, and that he needs to respect the fact that at certain times, his teammates are playing better,” he added.
The Spain manager also highlighted the competition for places in the squad, saying: “We’re always looking to field the most competitive team possible.
“Dean has to understand, just like the others, that he he must always work with the aim of improving – just as he’s doing now. It will be great for him and for his club.
“There’s a lot of competition. At the World Cup, our centre-backs were the best in the world. We have to really push through that door.”
Huijsen enjoying a strong start at Real Madrid
Huijsen has emerged as one of the major positives of Real Madrid’s opening weeks of the season.
One of Jose Mourinho’s priorities was to restore the defender to his best level, and the early signs suggest that the plan is working.
Huijsen has established himself as an important part of Real Madrid’s defence and has produced a series of performances that have earned him another opportunity with Spain.
His return to the national team squad represents recognition of that progress.
After missing the World Cup, the Real Madrid centre-back now has the chance to work his way back into De la Fuente’s plans while continuing to develop under Mourinho at Real Madrid.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
