Luis Enrique
The challenge posed by Greece
“Greece have changed system. They played 4-5-1 against us and were very defensive. We saw that they changed system, played some really good games and had some really good results, especially in the two matches against Sweden. I expect them to be fired up in their own stadium in front of their fans. There’s no doubt that they’re a very good team defensively. We struggled to create chances against them and it’ll be tough for us when we have possession but also when we don’t have it because if we don’t press them well, they know what to do with the ball.”
“They’re a really well organised team. They were when they used their previous system, the 4-5-1. We created much fewer chances against them than we would’ve liked. Credit to them. Now that they’ve changed system, they’re capable of playing well when they have the ball and that’s why I said we need to press well when we don’t have it. But there’s also a chance that we can pin them back because of the way we play. If that happens…let’s be honest, that’s the hardest thing in football, it’ll be tough for us. It would be for any big team. It’s a difficult situation. But I think we have more than enough about us, both in our combination play and individually, to resolve this kind of problem. And they have a realistic chance to qualify for the playoffs or even automatically, so it’s also possible that they might try to attack more than normal. I’d be more than happy to play the game with them penned inside their penalty area and us trying to create opportunities by playing the way we play. It’s obviously difficult but, however the game pans out, we’re used to it.”
“I’m not using any other game as a point of comparison. The first fixture against Greece had some similarities but I don’t know if it’ll be the same. They played two really good matches against Sweden. In Sweden, they hit the woodwork twice in the first half and they deserved more than they got before being beaten in the second half. I think they’ve been improving and they’ve still got an opportunity to qualify.”
Pressure
“Luis Enrique was born with pressure. On the 8th of May in 1970, in the paradise that is Gijón. And I’ve had the chance and the good fortune to have had a job in which there’s always pressure. You need to play under pressure from a very young age. Since I made my debut for Sporting at 18 or 19, I’ve had to deal with pressure and I feel comfortable with that. I like the challenge. I was being sincere the day I announced the squad but after seeing how the team has been training, I can’t be anything other than confident that they’re going to play to their maximum potential.”
“I’ve had pressure for 15 years as a player and 10 or 12 years as a coach. Pressure? Thank goodness for pressure. Pressure is wonderful. The problem is when you play in a team, at any level, and there’s no pressure. Give us all the pressure in the world. This team has always shown that it performs well under pressure. Are Greece not under pressure? Are Sweden not under pressure? Are any national team not under pressure?”
“Spain have to try to win every game. That’s what we try to do. The results you’ve had by the time a tournament ends show you what you’ve achieved and we’ll deserve what we’ll have achieved. But Spain have an obligation to win every game and we have to win every game playing to our strengths, which I think is the best way to get the results we want. There’s always pressure. There’s not been a single game since I’ve been manager that we haven’t been under pressure to win.”
“We’ve all got so much desire to win these two games, starting with the one tomorrow, that we’re in the same position as before every other match. Our responsibility is to represent our country by doing what we do best – playing football. That far exceeds any feelings of being gripped with fear. Then we’ll evaluate what tomorrow’s game will be like, what will happen. But there hasn’t been a single game in which we haven’t felt this responsibility. Maybe I made a mistake in being so honest the day I announced the squad. I’m going to start saying more clichés so that you’re all more relaxed.”
One eye on the last game?
“There’s no doubt whatsoever. Only one game matters, against Greece in Athens, no other game exists. Thinking about what could happen later just distracts you from what’s most important. There’s just one game, we’re not going to make that mistake. I don’t know if we’ll get it right or not but we’re going to show ambition, go for it from the start and try to beat an opponent that knows how to defend and defends with lots of men behind the ball. These are the challenges that we’re going to face and we’ll try to overcome.”
Georgia v Sweden
“I’m not interested in what happens in the other game, I won’t even watch it. It all depends on us, on our performance. I would’ve preferred it to be at the same time but I don’t really care, it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Squad update
“I’m very lucky because after seeing our last two training sessions, I’m incredibly optimistic. The confidence, rhythm and quality that the players have shown in the way they train makes me feel really confident and relaxed ahead of the game. I’ve always said that I’m so lucky to be the coach of a country that has 40 or 50, maybe even 60, players that, in my opinion, are good enough to play for the national team.”
“Gavi is playing a lot for his club, although maybe not in his natural position because he’s been playing wide on the right. But his versatility means he can play anywhere. If he plays with us, he’ll play in his position, in central midfield. It’s November so the players are absolutely flying physically. Not like in September, when we often say that they aren’t up to speed yet. They’ll have their ups and downs throughout the season but the players are in peak condition just now. The only one who isn’t available is Mikel Merino, we obviously don’t want to take any risks with him.”
Carvajal’s return
“It’s a pleasure to coach Dani Carvajal. First of all, because as well as being an excellent player, he’s a great person. He’s mature, knows how to face adversity and it’s a great pleasure to have him back with us, not to mention everything that he does to help us out on the pitch. He’s changed a few things, which is logical, it’s normal and actually very interesting. He’s explored new avenues to help him improve his performances. I’ve seen him with the same excitement, desire to learn and intensity in training as before.”
Experience over youth?
“A team is a mix of young players, mature players and players with lots of experience. A team is made up of all of these. We need to focus on the things that we can control. We can control the way we want to play, the things that we want to happen on the pitch, or at least try to control them. We don’t need to focus on anything else. We need to show that we are better than they are.”
Dani Carvajal
Approaching the game
“Experience will be an important factor in tomorrow’s game but there will be others – holding our nerve, intensity, how we approach the game. In the end, there are many factors that we need to have under control if we want to beat Greece, as they are really solid in defence. It’s going to be hard for us to find space, to draw them out of position. We need to be ready for that.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to play in all the games I would’ve wanted to with the national team. That’s quite an unusual situation for me in my career. We need to win tomorrow, there’s no doubt about that. That’ll give us the chance to make it to Qatar by beating Sweden. But everything depends on tomorrow. It’ll be a difficult game, they managed to take points off us in Spain. We need to approach it as if it were a cup final. We know that the playoffs would be really tough if we were to play them so we’re going to do everything we can to avoid them.”
Being recalled
“It feels like my first call up all over again. I was smiling from ear to ear when I joined up with the squad. As I hadn’t been here for a while, I’m really enjoying every moment with my teammates, every meal, every training session. Being picked for the national team is really special for me, it’s something I dreamt about as a child and that’s not just a cliché. Those who know me know that I think being here is fantastic and I’m trying to make the most of every second of it.”
“This is a fantastic squad. I’ve had the opportunity to watch the documentary that was made during the Euros and, as someone who’s played for a long time, you can see that this is a really good group of players who are in it together. Whether they are playing or not, everyone has a smile of their face, everyone does their bit. That’s vital for any group if they want to achieve their goals.”
Covid recovery
“I’m good, I feel better. It’s true that I went through a tough time with coronavirus but I got through it as well as I could and now things are good. Above all, I’m really happy to be here, it’s a dream come true. I’m really grateful to the manager and my teammates for the warm welcome they’ve given me.”
Banter with Ibra
“When we’re there, we’re focused on the club. But you know what Ibra’s like, he’s made a few comments. We’ve talked about what could happen and how it’s an important game for both of us.”
Qualification
“I can’t imagine a World Cup without Spain. Spain needs to be at the World Cup and now we have two cup finals coming up. First we have to focus on Thursday’s game, that’s the most important one right now. We’ll think about Sunday later. But we have two cup finals that we have to win.”
Being called up
“Being here is a dream come true. It doesn’t matter if there are players missing or not, the most important thing is winning the game on Thursday. I can see that we have a really united squad, really good people with lots of talent. I’ll do my bit as much as I can, both in attack and in defence.”
“I’ve been performing at a good level and getting the chance to be here is my reward. Any player, any kid dreams of playing for the Spanish national team and Luis Enrique’s call was a dream come true.”
Luis Enrique
“What Luis Enrique told me stays in-house. I’m really grateful to him. He’s a really good coach, he’s very approachable.”
Positon
“I can play in different positions, whatever the manager decides. I can play both centrally and out wide. I’m here to help him and the team. We all have to do our bit.”
Development
“I’m playing more, I feel important, I’m a key part of the team. That gives you a little bit extra, more motivation and confidence. In the end, playing games is what it’s all about and that’s what I’m doing at the moment. I’m getting the chance to show my ability.”