Diego Llorente was the player for the Spanish team in charge of serving the media. The central defender returned to the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas concentration camp after giving a false positive in a PCR test. Spain recovers normality after knowing last Sunday that Sergio Busquets suffered from coronavirus.
Before starting the press conference, the center-back spoke a few words of thanks: “I just wanted to thank all the people who have been watching over me. In the first place, to President Rubiales, who was the first person who called me and told me that he was very happy when the fourth negative was confirmed. To Luis Enrique and the coaching staff and, of course, to all my teammates. I needed the reception they gave me yesterday ”.
How have you lived these days
“The first two days have been difficult for me due to frustration. I knew the important thing was that I was fine, but in my situation, missing this appointment was very hard. When it is confirmed that it is a false positive I have even more desire ”.
Welcome from colleagues
“They are things that are not forgotten. It reflects the union we have here. We have all been very close. It is one of the most special days of my career because of everything that has happened. I was not expecting the reception ”.
Moment of the negative
“I have to emphasize the figure of Dr. Cota, who has been the one who has been by my side. He was the one that moved me that was negative. I am very grateful to him. Apart from being a great doctor, he is a magnificent person who has accompanied me at this time ”.
Parallel bubble
“In that experience, which was the first in the National Team, it was something very special. It was like a kind of award to that season and I look back on it with great enthusiasm. On this occasion all the players who have come have had a lot of predisposition. We only have words of gratitude and we have to learn, because that could happen to us tomorrow. We can only take our hats off to all of them ”.
Conversation with Busquets
“We have exchanged messages. From day one he has shown all his support. It was sad news when we learned that he had to leave the concentration, but we were hopeful that he could rejoin. He has helped me these days, he has supported me and when he found out that it could be a false positive he was also there. I hope that he can join as soon as possible, because he is a great person and in terms of football, he can contribute a lot to us ”.
Ambulance trip
“It is difficult to describe, it was a devastating moment. I didn’t know what to think. At night I hardly slept. It wouldn’t stop spinning. It is a virus that you can catch at any time, but we have many rules. Nor had he had very close contact with Busquets. I tried to lean on my people, my wife, but the first hours were devastating. I had to abide by it and they try to bring out the positive things ”.
Debut against Sweden
“We see the glass as half full. All of these things have made us stronger as a group. On a mental level it can help you face these games where they are 90 minutes and anything can happen. You have to trust your partner and row in the same direction ”.
Virus uncertainty
“We know what an injury is, the recovery time, but this virus is something very serious that has not gone away yet. You have to send a message to everyone, including young people, that it is still there, it is very important and there are people who continue to have a very bad time. I would like to take this issue seriously. Let everyone get vaccinated when called ”.
Relationship with Luis Enrique
“From the first time he summoned me it was an immense joy, on top of that he was injured. I thank you for all the confidence you give me. The competition in Spain is brutal and you have to value being here. I try to give him back that confidence when he requires me on the field and giving my best ”.
Isak and positives from Sweden
“I have not talked with him. For them it will have been a busy week, but when the referee whistles everything will be left behind. It’s a great team and it’s going to be difficult to win ”.
Physical work
“Fortunately I am from here in Madrid and I have my house close by. I have my resources to continue with the preparation, so I have been able to train. Not at the same level as here, but at a good level. I don’t think it shows in anything that I’ve been away for two or three days ”.
Normal
“It is important because it is better when there is no news. What we have and what is most important is the footballing part. We just want to focus on the game against Sweden. That is the most important”.
Positive of Busquets
“It was a jug of cold water. After so many tests the virus manifests itself when it manifests itself and it is sometimes difficult to catch it in time. The important thing is that it has not been translated into more positive ones ”.
Vaccination
“I have spoken with the doctor and since I have not passed the virus, I can get vaccinated. It is expected that in the future it will do so ”.
Tactical work
“It was purely physical. That was the most important thing. The idea that Luis Enrique conveys to us is very clear. These days we will continue working on it to achieve victory. There will be time to see something else at the video or tactical level ”.
More complicated forward
“I have respect for everyone. Any player of any team if he is in the Eurocup is because of his potential. There are great names, but there are others that are not talked about as much who are also very good. The key will be to go game by game and see the strengths and weaknesses of the rivals ”.
Way to get to the Euro
“I am not very into thinking about the past. I try to live in the present. But if I am here, apart from the confidence of the coach, it is because of all the people who are with me on a day-to-day basis. They are fundamental supports that have always helped me. Thank them for always being there, for cheering me on, be it here or where I am and I have to put all my performance and work at the service of the National Team ”.
Laporte
“We are very lucky to have him. It is a world top-level central. They have been able to give the procedures to be with us. He already knew Athletic players and others he has had as rivals, so it is being very natural. He is one more, he has integrated well and is delighted to have him ”.
Isaac
“For me I think there are great players. I have been fortunate to share a year with Isak. He is a very young player and has a lot to prove. It may not sound like one of the biggest, but you have to have a lot of respect for it. We will try to stop its virtues and emphasize its weaknesses ”.
