From the Guardian · · 2m
Czechia’s Santi Denia: 'Anthony Gordon? What a player!'
Santi Denia, Spain’s former coach, praises England’s talent and dreams of World Cup success.
In brief
Santi Denia, Spain’s former coach, praises England’s talent and dreams of World Cup success. Czechia’s coach Santi Denia lauds England’s footballing talent and aims for Euro 2028 qualification after a recent Nations League loss. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Santi Denia’s background
Santi Denia worked for 15 years at the Spanish federation, coaching under-15s through under-23s.
“Santi Denia worked for 15 years at the Spanish federation”
Denia’s recent match
After a 2-0 loss to England in Prague, Denia shook Thomas Tuchel’s hand and said, 'See you soon.'
“See you soon”
Denia’s England connection
Denia coached England’s under-17s in 2017 and saw them win the European Championship on penalties.
“England are very, very good; they’re no distance from a World Cup final”
Denia’s praise for Anthony Gordon
Denia called Anthony Gordon 'what a player!' and said he’s at the same level as Lamine Yamal.
“Gordon? What a player! He’s at the same level as Lamine Yamal”
Denia’s view on English football
Denia believes England’s FA invested in youth development and has produced world-class players.
“You win an under-17 euros, an under-17 World Cup in India, an under-21 Euros because you have believed in investing in youth”
Denia’s World Cup experience
Denia saw Ferran Torres score in Spain’s World Cup final and felt a deja vu from his under-19s Euros days.
“When Ferran scores in the final you get a deja vu”
Denia’s coaching philosophy
Denia emphasizes teaching players and emotional development over just winning matches.
“You’re not a coach, you’re a teacher”
Denia’s future plans
Denia aims to qualify for Euro 2028 and wants to develop Czechia’s football pathway.
“The immediate objective set is qualification for the Euros”
Denia’s England dream
Denia dreams of playing in England and facing England again in a World Cup final.
“I’d be delighted to play there again. And imagine another final with England!”
Denia’s Czechia connection
Denia worked with Czechia’s federation president David Trunda and general manager Pavel Nedved.
“We met there and again in Prague, with Nedved”
Denia’s language skills
Denia speaks English with his assistant Pablo Amo and uses Czech for key terms.
“We talk to them in English”
Denia’s next challenge
Denia faces England in the Nations League and aims to qualify for Euro 2028.
“England again”
Denia’s coaching legacy
Denia believes his players will become world-class with proper development and support.
“You have to teach. There’s a psychological, paternal element”
Denia’s final thoughts
Denia dreams of World Cup success and aims to build Czechia’s football pathway for future generations.
“I’m dreaming here, aiming high, but why not?”
What it means
Czechia’s coach Santi Denia lauds England’s footballing talent and aims for Euro 2028 qualification after a recent Nations League loss.
