Vicente del Bosque has bristled at suggestions Spain have caved in to Chelsea and Jose Mourinho by resting Diego Costa.
The availability of Costa has been a point of contention between La Roja and the Blues after Mourinho complained about the striker returning injured from a previous international get-together.
Costa hasn’t been named in the squad to play Belarus and Germany even though he was able to play and score for Chelsea against Liverpool this weekend.
Speaking at a Press conference in Vigo, Del Bosque insisted resting Costa is the right decision and it’s one he made for the good of all concerned.
“There’s nothing to say. I’m sure someone in recent days has seen it as a sign of weakness on our part but it isn’t, and nor is it arrogance,” he said, AS reports.
“We are football people and we’re fully aware of Diego’s situation. The other day I said he would play against Liverpool and that’s what happened.
“But to play him in our two games would be counterproductive to his health and I chose not to call him. That’s the story and it has nothing to do with any other story.”
Costa’s situation has been compared to that of Cesc Fabregas, his Chelsea teammate, who is joining up with the squad despite Mourinho claiming the midfielder is injured.
Del Bosque has said Spain accept that Cesc isn’t going to play but want their medical staff to double-check his condition.
“What’s happening with Costa isn’t the same as Cesc. For Fabregas there are protocols we have to meet and are obliged to comply with.
“There’s no lack of trust in the player, who by the way has 95 international caps and is about to reach 100 and he’s willing to play.
“There’s no tension about who gets called up and who doesn’t. That’s not what we’re here for. Our mission is to bring the best players, who are in the best condition and to make sure they’re taken care of.”
Del Bosque also confirmed he took notice of how Costa performed against Liverpool, commending the former Atletico Madrid forward on his display.
“He looked good to me, played almost the entire game and if he played, it must mean he is fit but we have to be careful with injuries like his,” he added.
“Everyone who has suffered an injury knows there is a process and we haven’t called him this time, rightly or wrongly.
“This makes room for other players. We always play down these situations because players who will be as good or better can come instead.”
