Luis Enrique: “We can’t tell the story of the milkmaid”

Luis Enrique again making it clear that they don’t think sopecular against Japan, in a match where the round of 16 passes is at stake. “Nothing nothing to protect We are in the group of death and although we are in an advantageous position, let us not speculate. We want to win and be first”, stressed the Spanish coach.

The coach also admitted that they once thought about it be second. “It is a reflection that we have made. But when you are convinced that you have a great team, we want to finish first.” In this sense, he added: “Imagine: We go 0-0 in two games, and in the 95th minute of two games. Japan and Costa Rica scores. You’re out. We can’t do the dairy account. High-level sport doesn’t know about speculation and I don’t understand it that way. Also there is no easier side in football. To win the World Cup you have to win the best,” he recalled.

Luis Enrique has two footballers who have suffered discomfort in recent days: Gavi and Rodri. “It depends on the situation. When you have 26 players at the top and you have a player who is touched, it influences, of course. We will wait for the arrival of training. Yesterday Gavi and Rodrigo They wanted to train, but I didn’t let them. Let’s see, there’s no need to force it. We will practice and if they are good, perfect. And if not, there are other players”, he said, leaving the door open for them to enter rotations.

In fact, there is seven undebuted outfield players and some of them may premiere against Japan. “I’m delighted with what I’m seeing in training, but what they have to be is prepared for what they need.”

Eight flying forward

And he focused on his forwards, because of the eight, there were three who had not played a minute: “I very happy with the behavior of the 8 forwards. The fact that 7 players have less than minutes is a real shame. Some of the 26 will be left without playing. The players who came out in the second half were decisive. They need to take advantage of the damage created by the headlines.”

One that hasn’t warmed up yet is Ansu Fati. “He was the last to enter the list and it was the position where I had the most doubts,” recalled Luis Enrique. Of course, the Asturian coach admitted that “he is happy with what they are doing in training, I have eight forwards flying”.

The goal, play seven games

The way the national team plays has made it one of those favorites and take praise. “I consider it like a show, like going to the theater. I like to offer the fan something they feel proud of. Maybe they throw me out in three games, well, let them throw me out. Only a selection of 31 will win. Until to them If the opposite is proven, we should think that we are the best and The goal is here seven games”.

checked at last Japanese, also recalling last year’s Olympic Games match in Tokyo. “It worked very well,” began the Spanish coach. “At a very high individual level. Very dynamic, fast, heavy... I really like their midfield. It will be a very tough match, another test and up to the level of this World Cup”.