Juanfran Torres confessed Spain “didn’t expect to be knocked out” from Euro 2016 after Monday’s last-16 defeat to Italy.
Spain lost their first game at a European Championship in 12 years after they were beaten 2-0 by Italy, also ending their grip on the Henri Delaunay trophy, and Juanfran could not hide his disappointment after the game as he urged fans to show their support.
“We’re frustrated by our elimination. There was a big commitment in the dressing room and we didn’t expect to be knocked out. It’s a sad dressing room and difficult times for us,” said the Atletico Madrid right-back.
“They were better than us in the first half. In the second half we improved. They took advantage of what they had in the first half, while we didn’t. It would’ve been fairer if we drew and went into extra time.
“[David] De Gea made many saves, but if we took some of the chances we had then everything would’ve changed.
“We weren’t good enough with our marking [for Italy’s girst goal]. It was a ball that stayed [in the box] and we failed to clear it.
“Italy have a peculiar way of playing and always counter teams, so they always caused us problems. They knew how to play against us in the first half.
“These are times when the fans should support the selection. They mustn’t only support us when everything goes well.
“I think it must be made clear to the fans that we always want the best for the national team. Hopefully the national team are among the best next time.
“[On Vicente del Bosque], it’s a decision which he will have to make with the federation.
“I can only say good things about him as our Coach, so we’ll support whatever he does and it’ll be fine.”
