Xavi Hernandez has emphatically rejected the suggestion that Spain need to find a new way of playing if they are to retain the World Cup.
La Roja begin their tournament tonight against 2010 finalists the Netherlands and the Barcelona midfielder went before the Press to preview the fixture, with AS reporting his comments.
“We have achieved a lot of success and it would be wrong to change our style,” Xavi said. “We know we will win or die with this style of play.
“Hopefully we repeat and return to make history.
“Netherlands are defensively very strong, with good players, playing the ball well and with intensity.
“Still, we will try to impose our personality. We come with great enthusiasm, knowing the group is very difficult. To start against the runners-up is not easy. We know they will close us down.”
Spain go up against Louis van Gaal, the former Barca Coach who Xavi remembers fondly from his time at Camp Nou.
“I have special memories of him. He was almost the first professional Coach I had,” Xavi said.
“He was honest. He was very good to me and treated me well, and had a lot of confidence in me.
“He’s adapted to the players he has with Holland. I imagine we’ll have more of the ball than them.”
Xavi was also asked about Cesc Fabregas, after it was confirmed the midfielder was to leave Barcelona for Chelsea.
