Xabi Alonso has defended Vicente Del Bosque from criticism after Spain’s poor showing in the defence of the World Cup.
The Real Madrid midfielder spoke to Onda Cero on a range of subjects, from why La Roja failed to the impact of the two defeats, against the Netherlands and Chile.
Alonso was critical of his teammates’ attitude after Spain’s elimination was confirmed but declined to say if anyone in the locker room challenged his comments.
“I won’t share what is said in the locker room. For me, it stays there,” was the most Alonso revealed on the issue.
“I’m convinced that when we get together we push on. I don’t know why we didn’t see the competitive level we had in Austria and Switzerland, in South Africa and in Poland and Ukraine. I don’t know how this happened.
“It was the same as two years ago in the locker room. Everything is natural and there are no tensions. I hate talking about it because it’s not a football matter.
“In the six years [of Del Bosque] the idea of working has always been the same. I believe it was more a matter of the players.
“I don’t think the team will change much. The players out there have the profile and it will be very similar.
“Del Bosque has served the national team. If he had to criticise anything he would because he’s my Coach but obviously I’ve not had any criticism.
“There is only one way to play. Different players come in depending on the matches, but that’s modern football. We mustn’t be blind. That’s what a Coach has to do.”
Alonso was asked directly about his future with the national team and said he isn’t making a decision in the near future.
“I’m still not at that point. What I want is to finish this, go on holiday, disconnect a bit and then take it one thing at a time. Now, I don’t touch that,” he said.
