Luis Fernandez is one of the most recognisable figures in French football of the past few decades. He won the UEFA EURO with France in 1984 as part of the legendary side led by Michel Platini and, after hanging up his boots, he embarked on a distinguished coaching career that included stints with Paris Saint-Germain, Athletic Club, Espanyol, Real Betis and the Israel national team.
Born in southern Spain, but raised in France, the 66-year-old still feels closely connected to both countries, which gives him a particularly fascinating perspective on the upcoming clash between the two heavyweights.
Luis Fernandez: I was born in Spain, but I moved to France when I was five years old with my mum and my brothers and sister after my dad died. We were made to feel welcome there and we were given the opportunity to grow up, to work and to build lives for ourselves. I’ve always said that I consider myself French first and foremost, because I’ve represented Les Bleus on the pitch and I have French nationality. But Spain will always have a piece of my heart because I still have family there. We visit Tarifa often and I always feel immensely proud to go back there. After France, Spain is my favourite country to visit.
France are such a pleasure to watch. They’ve done an outstanding job and, in Kylian Mbappe, they’ve got a captain who’s giving everything he’s got for the team and is leading by example. The likes of [Ousmane] Dembele, [Bradley] Barcola and the rest of the attacking players are also producing some exceptional football. The midfield and the defence look strong as well. I believe France have got what it takes to win the World Cup.
France have always produced formidable forwards. Back in [Zinedine] Zidane’s day, we had [Youri] Djorkaeff; then came [Antoine] Griezmann, [Olivier] Giroud and Mbappe. There have always been players capable of making a difference and winning EUROs or World Cups. Right now, they’ve got four or five players up front who are achieving extraordinary things and showing bags of quality.
I’m a huge admirer of Didier Deschamps. We played for France together and I’ve always liked his character. He’s come in for some criticism at times, but I’ve never understood it. He’s proven what a great coach he is at Monaco, Juventus, Marseille and, of course, with France, where he’s won a World Cup and taken the team to another final. He’s built a very strong squad. I love Deschamps and I hope I’ll have the chance to congratulate him if he wins this World Cup.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Spain. I love Spanish football, especially the tradition they’ve had in midfield. I’m also a big fan of the job Luis de la Fuente has done because he’s built a top team that became European champions two years ago. Spain have always had a distinctive identity, with the likes of [Sergio] Busquets, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. They’ve got the talent and the potential to play very attractive football. I’m backing France to win the World Cup, but if Spain were to knock them out and go on to become champions, I’d be happy for them too. I’ve also really enjoyed watching England at this tournament.
I often think back to Johan Cruyff and how he transformed Pep Guardiola into that deep-lying playmaker. Then came Busquets, and now there’s Rodri. I’ve always admired that type of player because of their technical skills, the way they control the ball and their ability to dictate the game. Both Spain and France have incredibly talented midfields.
I hope to come away from the match feeling like I’ve witnessed a great spectacle. I’d like to see attractive and high-quality football played in the right spirit, with mutual respect. Hopefully, it’ll be an open, entertaining contest with plenty of chances and moments of brilliance that will leave a lasting impression on the fans.
Right now, I’d say Mbappe has the edge. He’s in great form, full of confidence and showing real leadership through his performances and the work he puts in for his team-mates. Yamal is still getting back to his best and I think he’s got a lot more to offer. Mbappe, on the other hand, is riding the crest of a wave and he now has the chance to lead France to another world title. After two tough seasons with Real Madrid, this competition could mark the start of a new chapter for him, crowned with a major success.
Sources: FIFA Official
