Vicente Del Bosque has said he has asked the Spain players to give a little more after a gruelling season.
The Coach was speaking at a Press conference prior to La Roja’s game tonight against Bolivia at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Marca reports Del Bosque as acknowledging that many of his squad have been through the wringer this year but hopes they can dig deep for the World Cup.
“The players are well physically and it has been an intense season,” Del Bosque said.
“We’ve ordered one more effort.
“I’ve found the players to be pretty well and they’re trying to be at their best for June 13, the day the World Cup begins.”
Del Bosque does however have a number of injury doubts and the squad to play Bolivia doesn’t contain any Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid players after their Champions League exertions a week ago.
Diego Costa is perhaps the biggest concern after he was forced off in the final inside 10 minutes, but Del Bosque suggested both he and Jesus Navas would be named in the final 23-man squad.
“The expectations are good with Costa and Navas,” he confirmed.
“They will be tested tomorrow and then we’ll take a decision.”
Del Bosque was also asked about Alvaro Negredo, the Manchester City striker who is in the 30-man preliminary group but not picked for the game against Bolivia.
“Negredo is likely [to be in the 23] because he is in the 30,” Del Bosque replied.
“I don’t know if there’ll be injuries. Everyone who was listed has a chance.”
Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu was called into the squad to account for the absences after an impressive year on loan at Everton.
Del Bosque confirmed Deulofeu was a candidate to fill-in for the World Cup in case of injury and pointed to past examples where he has included youngsters for that same reason.
“We brought Deulofeu because he’s a young guy and he’s done well,” Del Bosque said.
“It’s also because we believe he’s an option if we have any injuries. He’s a unique player.
“On other occasions we have done something similar, as with [Martin] Montoya.”
Of the 19 players named in the squad to play Bolivia, Del Bosque revealed that not all of them will get game time.
“Among the 19 we have, 17 will be used against Bolivia,” he said.
“We’ll manage it as we see it. We’ve had three days training and everyone deserves to be here.”
Discussion then turned towards the World Cup itself with Del Bosque asked for his thoughts on the prospect of protests from the people of Brazil, unhappy with the cost of hosting the competition.
“We hope that the World Cup goes along normally,” he said.
“Protests have happened in other World Cups and I think it will progress as normal.”
He was also asked if Spain today where as good as they were in the past and replied that he believes his players will rise to the occasion again.
“Not all of us see with the same eyes. That’s a fact,” he began.
“All our players want to give their best and the example was the match against Italy.
“I myself am the same as six years ago. But I don’t want to detract from the players.
“The players are aware of what is ahead. Their futures are these dates.
“We’ve played six championships and many of them have been to all six. Any player thinking about their future may be undermined but generally everyone is aware.”
