Vicente del Bosque has dismissed concern over Jose Mourinho’s Ballon d’Or claims, but admits that Spain’s strikers are losing him sleep.
Fernando Torres is dropped from the Seleccion to face Finland and France this week, whilst David Villa and the also absent Fernando Llorente have both struggled for regular playing time at their respective teams this season.
“Of course it is bad if Torres is not here, he is one who has managed an extraordinary cycle of 100 games,” reflected Del Bosque when probed on Torres in particular by Cadena Ser.
“He has been very important and the remains open to everyone.
“We have concerns over the centre-forward position. There are a number of players who do not please us at all, who are inconsistent. We are undecided.
“Michu? What he is doing has much merit, without him being used as a striker. He arrives [in the box] well and finishes well.”
Iker Casillas is absent from the squad as he continues to recover from hand surgery, and Del Bosque confirmed that if he is fit he will be included in the summer’s Confederations Cup squad, regardless of his club situation.
“Even if he doesn’t play until the end of the season, he will go to the Confederations Cup, if not injured.
“To call Casillas, even when he is not playing, is a sign of respect and admiration for one of the best players in Spanish football.
“He has 140 caps, he has given us a lot, we have him in very high regard.
“For these qualifiers? It seemed reckless to call Casillas without him having had a medical discharge from his club.”
Xavi Hernandez, however, is in the squad when injury may rule him out of both qualifiers.
“There is no reason not to call up Xavi, with the emotion that he has to play and with his talent. It doesn’t not bother me what the doctors at Barcelona say, that is their job.”
Madrid Coach Mourinho suggested that FIFA’s voting system that awarded Del Bosque the Coach of the Year awards at the 2012 Ballon d’Or gala was flawed.
“It has not bothered me at all. We are 48 hours away from a big game against Finland and I am occupied by nothing but this.
“It is an issue I have to deal with at a distance. It’s child’s play. I do not even want to smile so as not to be misunderstood.
“I will not lose one ounce of energy thinking about it, it does not lead to anything.”
