Lopetegui: ‘I haven’t slept much’

Spain Coach Julen Lopetegui admits he has not slept much in the build up to his first training camp as La Roja boss.

The 50-year-old replaced Vicente Del Bosque as national team Coach following Spain’s Round of 16 exit to Italy at Euro 2016.

“I haven’t slept much, I am somewhat nervous,” former Porto boss Lopetegui is quoted as saying by Marca. “On the first day of class, we are excited and it is logical.

“We are really looking forward to starting, we are ready to prepare for the first matches and transmit what we want to the boys.”

Much has been made of the ‘tiki-taka’ style deployed by Spain in recent years, with many arguing it is no longer as effective as it once was. However, Lopetegui said La Roja’s style under his leadership will be determined by the players available.

“In football, the style is defined by the type of players, the ones we have in the squad and those who have been left out but who deserve to be in.

“We need to be ready to improve in every aspect, attack better, have alternatives and defend and compete in even games.”

Lopetegui's first game in charge of La Roja comes in a friendly against Belgium on Thursday, before Spain open their World Cup qualifying campaign at home to Liechtenstein four days later.

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