Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque has rejected the notion of a ‘FIFA virus’ that afflicts players on international duty.
The ‘FIFA virus’ is said to be one that leaves players injured and unfit to turn out for their clubs immediately after a round of international games, but Del Bosque stressed La Roja do what’s best by all concerned.
“We respect those that say international commitments saturate the players, but there aren’t many dates for the national teams,” he said, AS reports.
“Everyone who plays is exposed [to the risk of] injury. Sometimes it’s the ‘FIFA virus’ and other times it’s the ‘League virus.’ We’re full of viruses.
“What is certain is that everyone wants to come to the national team. And those that have physical problems, we don’t play to protect our players and our clubs.”
Del Bosque was also asked about the jockeying to be his successor, with more than one Coach having admitted interest in the post, expected to be available after Euro 2016, and talked more on the whistles directed at Gerard Pique.
“I like that all the Coaches want to be the national team Coach. That’s good and we have a lot of Coaches who could perfectly handle the national team,” he remarked.
“Pique? We can’t influence anyone. Pique’s behaviour in all respects has been excellent. The facts are more powerful than words.”
