De la Fuentes jokes with reporter over Merino question: “Mikel, are you listening? She doesn’t like you”

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Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente brought a dose of humour to his pre‑match press conference on the eve of Wednesday’s World Cup semi‑final against France, when a reporter tried to pry into his starting lineup plans.

Asked whether Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino would not start – a thinly veiled attempt to extract a clue – De la Fuente turned playfully to the empty spac beside him and said: “Mikel, are you listening? She doesn’t like you.”

The quip drew laughter from the assembled media at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where all 26 Spain players took part in the final training session ahead of the last‑four clash. But behind the joke lies a genuine selection dilemma that has kept Spanish fans guessing.

“Merino Is More Than a Super‑Sub – He’s World‑Class”

Although De la Fuente refused to give anything away, he has been effusive about Merino in recent interviews, making clear that the 29‑year‑old is far from a bit‑part player.

“Mikel Merino is not just a super‑sub – he is one of the best players in the world,” De la Fuente said. “He can start whenever he wants, as far as I’m concerned.”

The coach pointed to Merino’s physical attributes as a key asset, particularly against rugged opponents. “We started him against Uruguay because we knew it would be a battle – a game full of physical duels. And Merino is an expert in that department. He dominates aerial battles and one‑on‑one challenges with his body.”

He added: “He can play almost anywhere on the pitch, and no matter where you put him, he performs at the highest level. He reads the game brilliantly, and he takes full responsibility for the team.”

A “Sweet Headache” in Midfield

The battle for Spain’s third midfield spot has become one of the tournament’s most intriguing subplots. With Dani Olmo and Álex Baena all but certain to start, the final midfield berth is a three‑way fight between Fabián Ruiz, Pedri, and Merino – each offering distinctly different qualities.

De la Fuente acknowledged the difficulty of leaving quality players out, saying with a wry smile: “I said the other day that if football allowed 13 players on the pitch…” He let the sentence hang, inviting reporters to fill in the blanks.

Fabián brings power and long‑range shooting; Pedri offers metronomic control and incision; Merino provides physicality, tactical intelligence, and an uncanny knack for arriving in the box at the right moment – as he has proven twice in this World Cup.

From Late‑Hero to Line‑Up Contender

Merino has been Spain’s knockout‑stage talisman, coming off the bench in both the round of 16 and the quarter‑finals to score dramatic winners. His goals have propelled La Roja into the semi‑finals, and his growing influence has made him impossible to ignore.

Yet De la Fuente remains coy. When pressed on whether Merino’s super‑sub heroics might keep him on the bench by design – a “finisher” role – the coach demurred: “Every player wants to start, and Mikel is no different. But what matters is what he gives us when he crosses the line, whether that’s in the first minute or the 70th.”

“France Are Favourites – But So Were We in 2010”

Turning to the semi‑final itself, De la Fuente struck a respectful but confident tone. “France have an extraordinary squad – probably the most complete in the tournament. But we have our own weapons, and we believe in our identity.”

He dismissed suggestions that Spain are underdogs. “In 2010, everyone said we were favourites and we won. In 2022, nobody gave us a chance and we won the World Cup. What matters is what happens on the grass.”

The coach also confirmed that captain Álvaro Morata is fully fit after a minor knock, and that the entire squad is available for selection.

The Final Word

As the press conference wound down, De la Fuente returned to the Merino theme with a final wink: “Whatever I decide, I’ll have to tell Mikel face‑to‑face – not through a journalist who doesn’t like him.”

Whether Merino starts or comes off the bench again, one thing is certain: Spain’s midfield depth has become their greatest strength – and De la Fuente is enjoying every minute of the headache.

Spain and France meet on Wednesday, 15 July, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, with a place in the World Cup final on the line. Kick‑off is at 8:00 PM local time.