Vicente del Bosque has conceded that tensions still exist between Barcelona and Real Madrid players in the national team, but that it is of no harm.
Del Bosque and Luis Aragones before him have been credited with maintaining a sense of balance with the Spanish national team in recent years.
In winning the European Championship, World Cup and European Championship treble, the Coaches have been seen to, along with captains Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez, to have kept the Spanish squad united, despite escalating clashes between the players when on club duty in Clasicos.
Even so, Del Bosque has admitted this week that tensions still exist, even if they do not impinge on Spain’s performances on the pitch.
“These are things that do not go away overnight. Typically these things do not impair on the performance in each game,” the national team Coach told El Confidencial.
“The players know to discern between defending their club and working with the national team. I think there is no question, though, that there are a few things between players, but this does not impact.
“The best example we saw on the field the other game. Xavi, Xabi and Busquets are still complementing each other well, working as a team.
“Xavi passes to Xabi, Arbeloa…then in the rondo training when everyone is alongside everyone else. What is important is what is seen on the field, where they are friends.
“I was calm when I saw them play. Outside is another story.
“I do not see major differences, though. It may be that a tagline, any comment ‘hey you said this about me’.
“It is impossible that there is nothing. They have been fighting very hard, with many outside influences.
“What matters is what happens on the field and we have not seen anything that might harm us. If we see that there’s an aspect that is not going right then measures are taken, the squad is above everything.
“If we saw it and did not act, then that would be our mistake.”
Del Bosque was asked for comment on Casillas’ situation at Real Madrid, where he is struggling to get first-team football again after a two-month injury lay-off.
“He will come [to the Confederations Cup] because he is training, he is back after his injury, he is a part of our group, but I will not get on to the topic of Real Madrid, I will not speak of Madrid, that is a matter for the Coach. I’m just saying that he is coming with us, there is no reason for him not to.”
