Del Bosque wary of squad fatigue

Spanish National Team boss Vicente Del Bosque has admitted that none of his players will go to the Confederations Cup in prime physical condition.

The Roja Coach named his 26-man squad for the tournament in Brazil starting next month earlier on Monday, but the 62-year-old has conceded that his team will undoubtedly be tired.

“We are at the end of the season and whenever there is a tournament of this kind it is impossible for the players to arrive fresh,” he told a Press conference.

“But I do not think the players of Nigeria, Uruguay or Brazil will arrive in perfect condition.

“If doctors of the clubs think a player should be withdrawn, we would not force anyone to join us.

“We have 26 players coming with us and we know that they are all quality players. But some of them who play for English teams have already toured the United States, which is tough.”

Del Bosque then commented on his selection criteria for the tournament, as well as repsonding to questions on specific players.

“We want to go to the tournament and help make it a good one. It was impossible to call up everyone who deserved to be in the squad.

“You can't please everyone in this situation.

“We have a very good group of players going to the Under-20 World Cup and the Under-21 Euros, but we wanted to make some gradual changes.

“We didn't make novelty for novelties sake though.

“I've said it is impossible to please everyone. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers, and we haven't picked Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu or Negredo – all of whom have done well this season.

“We have three outstanding goalkeepers, but we could have brought four or five. Diego Lopez has had a superb season, but I'm confident in Reina, Casillas and Valdes.”

The former Real Madrid boss then eulogised on why the Confederations Cup was a worthwhile tournament for his team.

“It is a great competition. There are four world champions, the Olympic champions in Mexico and Nigeria – champions of Africa.

“Japan have made good progress in recent years and will be an uncomfortable opponent.

“We should not underestimate any rival.”

Tags Confederations Cup Del Bosque Spain
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