Vicente del Bosque has reflected on the ‘normality’ of Spain’s group being reflected in their goalkeepers, and on his striking options for the World Cup.
Focus in recent Spain squads and once more heading into friendlies this month with Equatorial Guinea and South Africa has been on Iker Casillas’ continued inclusion despite failing to play regularly at club level.
“Everyone wants to be involved and Victor [Valdes] has always maintained an exemplary attitude,” considered Del Bosque on the situation on Al Primer Toque today.
“I am sure we have not been successful in some decisions and have provided explanations that are not good, but best of all is that we have not misled any of the three.
“The normality of this group is represented by the goalkeepers. With only one player has there been special treatment and that was with Casillas in Finland.
“It has to be natural. What happens is that sometimes silence is better than trying to explain a decision. To look good with everyone is impossible.
“It is clear that there must be communication with the players, but it must be fair. If there are many explanations, you will soon enough be caught by the bull.
“It is certain that it hurts us to turn away people who have a lot of affection and esteem for the team.”
Attention was on the latest squad for Diego Costa’s initial inclusion, after controversy in Spain taking him from Brazil, until he withdrew through injury.
“[Brazil Coach Luiz Felipe] Scolari made the matter into something very personal. We have worked with discretion and following a process, which was an inevitable journey. At the end everything turned out as we wanted.
“We’ve called him up in as a player and because he is Spanish and has the right to play. During this process it was mandatory to talk to him, to look into his eyes and know what he thought. Then we have been encouraged to have him.
“You can go to the World Cup without having debuted earlier. For whatever reason, perhaps because they have improved at the last minute. Pedro, for example.
“We have had players with prolonged injuries, there is no perquisite condition because they have played before.”
Del Bosque was asked of the other strikers available to him for La Roja.
“Fernando Torres? He has more than 100 caps and has played more than 50 games with us. He has been a continued presence, he is always in our thoughts.
“Villa is also one that is always there. With Negredo and Soldado sometimes we hurry, but they are also in mind, of course. And Llorente.
“What is clear is that we cannot bring them all. Torres, before his latest injury, was doing very well.”
