Spain midfielder Alex Baena appeared tired as he faced the press at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where La Roja prepared for their World Cup semifinal against France. ‘I slept well, but we arrived a bit late. The two-hour time difference from Los Angeles is very noticeable,’ explained the Atlético Madrid player.
Baena, introverted but warm once comfortable, was one of the few players to greet security staff. His peripheral vision on the field mirrors his off-field awareness. ‘I brought my family to the United States. It was a gift I wanted to give them,’ he revealed.
He spoke about football, harmony in the locker room, and his tattoos. ‘I have the Europa League, the Euro, and the Olympics. Hopefully I can add the World Cup. The trophies are small so if I win many, they’ll fit. If I end up like Messi, I’ll need another leg.’
His first tattoo was with his mother: ‘I love you, Mom’ on his right arm, and she has ‘Me more.’ ‘We did it together. It was a gift for my 18th birthday. If we win the World Cup, we’ll get something together to remember it.’
Asked about tattooing De la Fuente, as Cucurella promised, Baena said, ‘I joined the group that made the promise. I won’t leave Cucu alone.’
On De la Fuente’s importance: ‘He has given me confidence since the U-19s. When people thought I didn’t deserve to be in the national team, he trusted me. I think I’ve always repaid him.’
‘He knows what each of us can give and when. That’s most important for a coach. He’s very close. With injured teammates, he’s always been there. When the team trained, he was more attentive to those training apart. The team appreciates that.’
In a short tournament, a coach who manages emotions is key. ‘We have everything studied. We know what the manager wants. In a short tournament, managing emotions and keeping the group united is crucial. Luis is the best at that.’
The group helps keep everyone together. ‘We have great footballers and great people. Those who don’t play are the first to smile and work hard in training. That helps us a lot.’
Baena feels more comfortable in this group. ‘We have great people who always joke. I have a great time here. Being here is a blessing. We’ve known each other for years. To perform better, feeling at home helps. You’re more natural.’
He denied being more comfortable with the national team than his club. ‘No, I’m very happy at the club. The difference is that at the club you see them 24/7 and it can get a bit overwhelming. Here it’s like fresh air. I like both.’
On his position: ‘I don’t know,’ he laughed. ‘I’ve always played as a second striker or attacking midfielder. Where I’m most comfortable is near the area. But I’ve played on the left cutting inside, and at Atlético in various positions. I’ll play wherever they put me.’
When playing out of position, he needs to be more focused. ‘When I play in my natural position, everything flows more naturally.’
Against France, he’ll need to think a lot, possibly helping Cucurella defend. ‘We’ll try to make them run backwards, not us.’
He enjoys assists as much as goals. ‘If I can score three goals per game, better, but I really enjoy giving a difficult pass or an assist that nobody saw on TV. I enjoy it when a teammate scores from my pass.’
This might come from his personality. ‘I prefer to see others enjoy rather than enjoy myself. With my family and friends, I prefer to take them on trips, give them gifts, rather than receive. So maybe that’s part of it.’
Meanwhile, Pedro Porro also spoke. ‘Luis de la Fuente has been a father to us. He gives us peace and confidence. We are very proud and happy that he is with us.’ Porro added, ‘He’s an important person within the group. He instills the idea of family. He gave me confidence and made me feel important, whether I play or not.’
On fatigue, Porro said, ‘We knew what we were coming for.’ On favoritism: ‘There is no favoritism. We have to stay united.’ He acknowledged France’s transitions: ‘We know the four players they have up front, who are more comfortable when they can transition. But we will try to have possession and minimize losses. Hopefully we can control it much more.’
Baena recalled watching the 2010 final against the Netherlands in his garage with friends and family. Porro celebrated in the town square. Now they are ‘fulfilling a dream.’
Baena noted the team’s improvement: ‘The team needed to pick up rhythm, automatisms. Players who had fewer minutes during the season came, and we had only met in March. With training, improvement came.’
On Lamine Yamal, who just turned 19, Baena said, ‘Playing with Lamine is easy. His talent and level are immense. Off the field, he’s a nice guy who laughs and jokes. We are happy he is with us, and hopefully we can help him grow even more.’
