The coach of Spain when facing the fierceness of Cape Verde: “They are trained”
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente insisted that his players are determined to make things right after a disappointing first game against Cape Verde, opening their World Cup account with a 0-0 draw against the minnows. He also confirmed that Lamine Yamal will be ready to face Saudi Arabia in their next group game.
The 18-year-old star was deemed fit for the final 20 minutes of the game, after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was his first appearance in two months, the injury ending his Barcelona season in mid-April. De la Fuente told Diario AS that Lamine Yamal is in good shape, and there will be changes to the side.
“Analysis is about clarifying concepts and identifying where we have been more or less successful. Always with the aim of improving. I believe that changes are necessary to bring something different. Lamine is good. He will play as we see fit. The most important thing is that he is back. He is determined to do something important.”
“The good news is that everyone is available, Lamine is in good form, his playing time will depend on the game, what we can’t do is judge decisions after the game.”
“They hurt” – de la Fuente in the Spanish camp
As was the case right after the game, de la Fuente preached calmly. He explained that he did not see that their performance was particularly problematic, but his players were determined to correct the record.
“We don’t see it that way, it was a game where, to be honest, if two or three were missing, it would have been different. We have to fix things. It’s not a disaster, but we have to win tomorrow, that’s all. There is no urgency, there is no pressure. We are lucky that the team has a lot of competitive energy, although the players could use it. I will say one thing… They are really hurt, and you will see them with a different attitude.
De la Fuente couldn’t feel the pressure either.
“I feel the same as I did six days ago. I am responsible, motivated, happy and eager to compete tomorrow. We have a clear plan, and I hope we all get up and stand up.”
‘The World Cup is an unfair competition’ – de la Fuente
The coach of Spain also revealed that they were not the only ones who were running in the opening games.
“Let’s not forget Portugal, one of my favourites. In such a short competition… In the league, you can afford any mistake. Not here; that’s the difference in an international competition. One mistake on a bad day takes you out. That’s what makes this competition, in a way, unfair. We know how it works. If you have an off day, don’t let it show. We’ll need to build on that day, we’ll try now to have our average, now we’ll try to win. Better. so there are no easy opponents here.”
The general feeling is that the Spanish players are not only frustrated with their performance, but they are looking to talk to the media following the Cape Verde game. They will play Saudi Arabia at 17:00 BST in Atlanta.
