Vicente del Bosque has offered his support to Gerard Pique after naming him in the Spain squad despite falling out of favour with Barcelona.
Pique has been included in the group to play Belarus and Germany even though he is on the fringes at club level amid rumours of a falling-out with Luis Enrique.
Del Bosque has explained that he believes Pique has played enough football to warrant inclusion and suggested his past contributions worked in his favour.
“He is playing. He played against Real Madrid. He is active, training, we regard him well and we have him here, yes,” Del Bosque said, according to AS.
“I don’t mind being asked about Pique. I’m here to answer questions and I answer them based on how to best use the players we have.
“He’s shown here and with his club what he can do and he is looking forward to coming with the national team. Pique is involved in the project.”
Del Bosque was asked why Pedro Rodriguez was called-up and not, for example, Jesus Navas, with the Coach replying it was more a matter of numbers than anything else.
“We feel Jesus’ pain but we can’t bring everyone. He has played very well and the players look at him with joy and affection,” Del Bosque continued.
“If he was to come here we would have to leave out another player. I don’t agree that Pedro and Pique don’t play for their clubs.
“I imagine there are more Barca players than any other club because they have more Spaniards than foreigners.”
