Vicente del Bosque expressed his delight in seeing David Villa back for Spain and happy again after recent struggles at Barcelona.
The 31-year-old is in contention to start for La Roja in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Finland, having recently returned to a first-team role at Barca, after months of bit-part roles.
“The change in Villa is a joy, he radiates optimism at this time, which is different to the past,” commented Del Bosque at today’s Press conference.
“We have worked a bit so that he is in the best shape, but mostly it is his work. We said that Villa was in a unique situation and we have recovered the best striker in Spanish football.
“He looked a little aside at Barcelona because he was playing less, but bear in mind that he has been out with an injury and now he is much better.”
Del Bosque was also asked of the dressing room’s mood.
“We have a very good relationship with the players and with the media, it is not a crime. Why would we have a bad relationship?
“What we have to do is bring all the elements surrounding our football into the national team.”
Iker Casillas is absent, as he continues to recover from surgery on a fractured hand, and Del Bosque confirmed that Victor Valdes is likely to deputise.
“Victor has the greater chance, but we have to think. To not have Iker is a pain for us but it has allowed us to bring in De Gea, who will have a major role in years to come with Spain, and he will come in handy.
“Casillas has all our respect. We must recognise the role he has played in recent years in the national team.
“I had a little conversation with him, we have not been able to bring him here because he has not been discharged by his club.
“He has had many years in the national team, 140 games…but it would have been reckless to bring him here without being discharged by his club.”
Should he play, the game against Finland will be Sergio Ramos’ 100th for Spain.
“He is a player with great charisma, on and off the field. Casillas, Torres, Puyol, they have all arrived at that figure and now we have another anniversary with Ramos.”
Del Bosque was also again pushed for comment on Jose Mourinho’s accusation against FIFA for the Ballon d’Or voting.
“It is no concern of mine. We are here to play against Finland at a beautiful stadium and we have to focus on Finland.”
