Vicente Del Bosque has said there is nothing for Spain to fear as they prepare for the beginning of the defence of their World Cup.
Spain play the Netherlands tonight in the first game of the 2014 tournament and Del Bosque was asked at a Press conference about the age of the squad.
Del Bosque replied that he isn’t concerned by the advancing years of some of his players, and predicted that the new faces in the squad would reach the required level.
“[Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas] are players that go down in the history of the national team,” the Coach insisted, according to AS.
“Them more than anyone. They were champions of the Under-20 World Cup in Nigeria [in 1999]. We qualify not as a veteran team, but mature.
“We have four or five players over 30. That’s not much. We’re not afraid of anything and we are in good shape. And [the older players] are extraordinary and have been extraordinary.
“We have a team that has been renewed, that was European Under-21 champion. We have 30% of new players.
“I think there has been a similarity between there and those who’ve come with us to ensure the renewal.”
It was put to Del Bosque that the disappointing season endured by Barcelona could hamper Spain’s chances, or Cesc Fabregas’ move to Chelsea could be a distraction.
“There is no direct relationship between Barcelona’s season and football in Spain,” Del Bosque countered.
“[Fabregas’ move] does not interfere with the team. It’s a parallel situation. I haven’t noticed anything that may harm our team.”
Del Bosque also warned of the dangers of Spain resting on the laurels of the 2010 success.
