Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has made a bold declaration about success and failure at the highest level, insisting that he would “love to lose 15 Champions League finals.” The statement came as he addressed the mental state of his Arsenal trio—David Raya, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi—following their heartbreaking defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last Saturday’s Champions League final.
The Gunners came agonizingly close to lifting the European crown, only to fall 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. It was a cruel end to an otherwise remarkable campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side, but De la Fuente was quick to reframe the narrative. Speaking ahead of Spain’s friendly against Iraq on Thursday, the 63-year-old tactician lauded his players’ resilience and urged them to hold their heads high.
“I would have liked to lose fifteen Champions Leagues,” De la Fuente told reporters, according to L’Equipe. The comment, though seemingly paradoxical, underscores a profound belief: the journey to a final is itself a monumental achievement. For De la Fuente, reaching that stage—even in defeat—is a testament to consistency, mentality, and elite performance that deserves celebration, not mourning.
Raya, Merino, and Zubimendi were all part of an Arsenal squad that defied expectations throughout the 2025-26 season. Their run to the final saw them overcome domestic and continental giants, and the narrow loss to PSG in Lisbon should not overshadow that progress. De la Fuente’s words serve as a protective shield, insulating his players from undue criticism as they transition back to international duty.
The timing of De la Fuente’s remarks is crucial. Spain are preparing for a friendly against Iraq at 21:00 CET on Thursday, a match that will be broadcast live on L’Équipe Live. While the fixture may be a low-key warm-up, it offers the Arsenal trio an immediate opportunity to shift focus and channel any lingering disappointment into a positive performance for their country.
Historically, De la Fuente has cultivated a strong group dynamic within the Spanish camp. His empathy for his players’ club experiences has been a hallmark of his tenure, dating back to his days managing Spain’s youth teams. This latest intervention reinforces a culture where emotional intelligence is valued as highly as tactical acumen.
For Arsenal, the defeat marks their first Champions League final appearance since 2006, and the pain will linger. However, De la Fuente’s perspective might help Raya, Merino, and Zubimendi separate club heartbreak from national team pride. With major tournaments on the horizon, Spain need their key men mentally fresh and physically sharp.
Zubimendi, in particular, has emerged as a vital cog in De la Fuente’s midfield, inheriting the mantle from the legendary Sergio Busquets. Merino’s box-to-box energy and Raya’s goalkeeping heroics—he saved a penalty in the final—are equally integral. The coach’s public backing could prove pivotal in preserving their confidence.
De la Fuente’s “15 finals” rhetoric may also be a subtle dig at football’s trophy-obsessed culture. By embracing defeat as part of a winning mindset, he challenges the notion that only silverware validates greatness. It’s a philosophy he has embedded into the Spanish setup, where development and cohesion often outweigh immediate results.
As Spain take on Iraq, all eyes will be on the Arsenal contingent to see how they respond. The friendly itself is not without significance: it provides De la Fuente with a chance to experiment with lineups and integrate returning players. A strong showing from the Gunners could quickly erase any lingering negativity.
The Champions League final may have ended in tears for Arsenal, but for Spain, it might just be the motivating force that propels their stars to even greater heights. De la Fuente’s message is crystal clear: failure is a stepping stone, not a defining moment.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
