“The players who have given me confidence can come, but the players are not stupid and they know that the lists are always open,” said the Spanish coach in the preview of the League of Nations’ first game against Portugal.
Luis Enrique has increasingly defined the block that takes the Spanish team to the World Cup in Qatar, but the Spanish coach took advantage of the preview of La Roja’s debut in the third edition of the League of Nations against Portugal to make it clear that the group It is not, far from, closed. “It’s true that my lists are predictable, because it makes sense. The players who have given me confidence can come, but the players are not stupid and they know that the lists are always open. There will be surprises for the World Cup, with young or less young players giving a very high level,” he noted.
The Asturian coach showed his appeal in a tournament that was born to take the space of the unimportant friendlies of another time, but which has proven itself to be a very attractive competition. “It is a race that not only motivates us, but also brings back very good memories, with a very nice format,” analyzed Luis Enrique, who assumes the tight schedule that La Roja will deliver four games in eleven days with no intention of participating. to do in controversies of any kind. “We only have five FIFA dates and they are posted as they are. I’m not going to get into controversy about whether I like them or not. I’m focusing on what I can control, which is relatively little outside the national team.”
He noted that Spain’s goal is “to try to win this competition, something he considers ‘very difficult’ due to the high level of the rivals. “I don’t think there is one member of group A who wins every game , but our goal is always to go for the best,” he emphasized.
Opponents usually affect the Spanish team’s offensive potential and combined play, but Luis Enrique wanted to emphasize the defensive capabilities of the troops he commands. “It is a team that stands out because of its possession, but defensively we are a top team,” said the man from Gijón. Speaking about Portugal, he stressed that it is a team that is “very well organised” and has “the individual quality” that its players have. “You just have to look at the amount your players move and they come from winning important things,” he revealed.
He analyzed the situation of Ansu Fati, who is returning to the national team after spending almost the entire season in dry dock. Luis Enrique assumes he will have to take it easy with the Barca winger, but believes his physical problems are over. “It is necessary for Ansu to forget his injury. He has recovered, he has been playing for Barca for a month and a half, albeit for a short time. If a player has not played for a long time, he has to play,” said the coach. He made it clear, yes, that these are official games and that he needs the players “one hundred percent”.
He praised Marco Asensio, one of the surprises of this call as the Real Madrid footballer has not worn the national jersey for a year and a half. “He is a top player, he has a huge quality. I have always thought that the player that comes because he deserves it. The most important thing is to be there, in training I saw him very well and we will see when he competes ”, he said in the Balearic Islands.
Finally, he praised the figure of Sergio Busquets, whom he rested in the friendlies against Albania and Iceland, but to whom he will hand over the baton again in the League of Nations and of course also in the World Cup in Qatar. “The Busi thing is exceptional. Often criticized in a totally unfair way. He is the one who has played the most minutes. I gave him rest in March. I would also give it in June, but I can’t give myself much whim because I want it. He is an indispensable and very important player for us.”
Source: La Verdad
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