Vicente Del Bosque has acknowledged Diego Costa’s Spain career hasn’t started well but insists he retains faith in the Chelsea striker.
Costa has gone six games without a goal for La Roja after changing allegiance from Brazil and it’s a year since he was first called up by Del Bosque.
The Coach has spoken to Marca and the subject of Costa was raised, along with the situations of Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique.
“We have great confidence in Costa. We can’t say it’s been a success but we trust him,” Del Bosque said.
“If he had any physical discomfort he wouldn’t be with us. That’s for sure. If he’s here it’s because he’s in good condition and is available to play.
“I expect his performance to be more closely like that of Chelsea when he’s with the national team.”
On Casillas, Del Bosque suggested that the goalkeeper’s historic contribution to the national team mean he deserves time to correct his form.
“We all know the right behaviour and in the difficult times Casillas has been there. He’s an emblem of Spanish football,” Del Bosque said.
“Don’t forget anything that happened a long time ago. Whether it’s good or bad. What’s true is there are lessons to be learned.
“There are circumstances in sport and you don’t always win. We had to lose in the World Cup and we certainly deserved to. We shouldn’t make those mistakes.”
Regarding Pique, Del Bosque insisted that his political stance – having been dragged into the debate over Catalan independence – wasn’t relevant.
“We’re only interested in sports affairs and Pique knows that. He’s played with full dedication and continues with the right behaviour,” he added.
“Some people complained when I said there were too many foreign defenders in Spain. But it’s true there are foreign defenders at Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia…It’s a reality and defenders are hard to find.”
