Vicente del Bosque explains his decision to drop Diego Costa for Euro 2016 as he has ‘confidence’ in Alvaro Morata and needed space elsewhere.
Costa and Valencia’s Paco Alcacer were surprise omissions from La Roja’s preliminary 25-man squad for the tournament, with Morata and Aritz Aduriz the only recognised strikes.
“We have two players per position. We preferred to bring people who are healthy. I have great confidence in Morata, more than what has been suggested. And Aduriz’s facts are incontestable,” Del Bosque said, AS reports.
“Costa didn’t have a bad season. Fernando Torres? He ended the season very well, and Alcacer is a proven scorer. We couldn’t take three strikers without weakening another position.
“The past eight years I have named a lot of squads and not had much response. The one for Brazil was supported. There are reasons. Yes, people can be unhappy about Costa or Alcacer or Torres. Mine isn’t an opinion, it’s a decision. We tried to put together a squad that is the best although there are people we wanted there.
“I haven’t decided [who to drop from the 25]. We’ve considered all situations. I didn’t come up with the 25 on a whim but because there are seven games for our players and we have two injuries, to David Silva and Lucas Vazquez.
“I haven’t said anybody is without a chance, except those who have retired. I have no prejudice against anyone, least of all Torres, who helped us to a European Championship and a World Cup. I have good memories of everyone who has helped us.”
Del Bosque also commended Gerard Pique’s Copa del Rey Final performance, and refused to predict a Champions League winner.
“Whoever deserves it more,” was the sum of his reply when asked about an 11th trophy for Real Madrid or a first for Atletico Madrid.
“Pique was great [in the final]. He defended in the air against [Vicente] Iborra and against [Kevin] Gameiro’s speed. Players such as Pique are great when they’re focused.”
