Luis Enrique appeared before the media before the moment of truth. Spain faces Slovakia with the obligation to win to be in the round of 16, although by tying it could achieve qualification if Poland does not beat Sweden . The coach acknowledged that he is concerned, although he is fully convinced that the team can do great things.
Credibility in a big tournament
“We play what we play, which is to go to the next round. When it is achieved or not, the corresponding reflection will be made. We play like the rest of the teams, which reach the third match with the possibility of finishing first, second, third or fourth ”.
How is the team
“I have seen him well. We are on the same line. I don’t think anyone can say that we have been inferior to Sweden or Poland ”.
Marcos Llorente’s position
“He has played a lot in attack. Although it starts from the right side, our sides occupy the spaces. He plays for many more minutes in attack than in defense, but I am open to players of Marcos’s profile being able to play in various positions ”.
Continuity
“I am very comfortable in the National Team and I am proud to represent my country. The march is going for me and I would be delighted to continue. I have a contract until after the World Cup and I have no intention of not fulfilling it ”.
Questioned in office
“It doesn’t seem unfair to me. If we coaches know anything about achieving results. I hope to be in the second round, but I would accept any criticism ”.
Relationship with the Federation
“I don’t have to delve further into this question. I live from what I can control and what I can do ”.
Comparison with Clemente
“Regarding methodology, despite my admiration for Clemente, it has nothing to do with it. I was fortunate to have your trust. We can seem that we are going to joke in the press conferences. Hopefully we can win the third game. That is the objective ”.
Force footballers
“I have never done that. I have never forced a player. All 24 are available, they have recovered and are available ”.
Corrections
“It was not the game we expected against Poland, but we were superior and generated enough to win it. Then there are aspects to improve. You also have to understand that the opponent plays. Slovakia is going to give us a very defensive game, they score a draw and they close very well. It will not be easy, we will need all the support and we will try by all means. You also have to have fortune ”.
Many ties
“You have to improve the finalization phase. Goals are generated with chances. What happens in the last meters is the most difficult. We are doing many things well. We are a very difficult team to beat, but I can guarantee that playing against us is never easy ”.
Busquets
“We did not want to force him when he came despite having been asymptomatic. For me it was taking a lot of risk. He is available like the rest of the colleagues ”.
Worried and convinced
“I have the logical concern of seeing that you deserve more and you do not reach the result. I’m at a 7, because here you don’t live off the air, but I focus on what I can control. And of conviction to 10. I have the feeling that this is like the bottle of cava that we have to uncork. As soon as we do, our best version will come out ”.
