Del Bosque: I’m focused on Finland

Vicente del Bosque has dismissed questions on Iker Casillas’ inclusion and other players’ exclusions in the latest Spain squad, pushing focus on to Finland.

La Roja travel out to Helsinki next week for their 2014 World Cup qualifying Group I clash before then facing Chile in a friendly in Geneva a few days later.

For these games, Casillas has made the squad, even as he continues to remain out of the picture at Real Madrid, whilst Chelsea’s trio of Cesar Azpilicueta, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata are notable exclusions.

“What really concerns me is the game with Finland, we are playing for three important points,” answered Del Bosque in facing questions on his squad and the captain’s selection.

“How we set up for the game is decisive, choosing the right men. These are three important points, whilst the friendly with Chile is also worth much.

“I have my idea of what we will do, but I will have to see the physical and mental level of each player.

“Through training I will have to see how they do. We have an idea of the team, but nothing definitive.

“The absences? There are no excuses if some are playing and some are not. There are some cases where some players have played less.

“We are in the early part of the season. Everyone has had a good preseason and most are in good condition.”

Isco, Mario Suarez and Koke are all handed further chances to impress.

“I have called Isco before he went to Madrid, I knew him at youth level and at Malaga. He is a guy who has great conditions, he can brighten up the others, whilst within what we are after.

“We are happy with Koke, he brings an energy up from the Under-21s and he brings things that can revitalise us.

“In the case of Mario Suarez, he is in a good state with his club and we needed to fill a position in midfield.

“We have not made our selection just for the sake of it.”

Del Bosque commented last week of his belief that Iker Casillas was one who could not be treated equally to other players.

“I do not know if you have misunderstood my words, but it is true that you cannot treat everyone equally.

“For example, in a squad with someone who has spent 15 years in the team. In our team we consider special all those who have had many games with us.

“And then there is the position of goalkeeper, which is different.”