France boss Didier Deschamps believes Spain have not altered their style despite the disappointment of the World Cup in Brazil.
The French take on Vicente del Bosque’s men in a friendly at the Stade de France on Thursday night and Deschamps, while aware La Roja have several new faces in their squad, believes he knows what to expect.
“They are not going to change. The Spanish team has always based its game on possession so I think they’ll play with the ball on the ground and make short passes.
“Their system will be the one we are accustomed to, one that obliges us to defend. The challenge for us will be how we use the ball when we recover it,” he told a Press conference.
While Deschamps recognises it will still be a challenge to face Spain regardless of their early exit in Brazil, he feels there is still some inexperience in Del Bosque’s squad that his team may be able to exploit.
“The players they have still represent the Spanish way. They can line up with Cazorla, Fabregas or Isco and all of them have lots of quality. The core is still there but maybe there is a concern that this new generation lacks experience, having played so few games.
“There will be a healthy rivalry between us but we all know their big game is on Monday against Macedonia in the European Championship qualifier.
“Del Bosque has remained despite World Cup failure and no wonder, given the extraordinary things he has done in recent years.
“It’s normal that the Spanish Federation and the fans are still with him,” he concluded.
