The room was packed.
Cameras blinked like restless eyes behind the clusters of microphones, and journalists leaned forward like a wave on the verge of crashing.
Spain's national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, sat calmly at the podium, shoulders squared and eyes sharp behind the modest frames of his glasses.
Behind him hung the embroidered crests of the Spanish federation, red and gold banners rich with the gravity of tradition.
The press conference had gone as expected at first.
Questions about training intensity, selection balance, and squad cohesion.
He answered them with the usual blend of coach-speak and charm—clear, measured, experienced.
But the mood shifted as a hand went up near the front.
It belonged to an older reporter from Marca, whose reputation preceded him.
"We've seen the list. Izan Hernandez was called up."
His tone was casual, but there was a glint beneath it.
