Lopetegui confirms Spain changes

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that there will be changes for Monday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Israel.

Spain must beat Israel to give themselves a fighting chance of being top seeds for the World Cup group-stage draw in December, but Lopetegui made it clear La Roja did not need any extra motivation and that he would ‘refresh’ the team.

“Busquets? He is a player of the highest level and offers maximum reliability,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“He conveys passion for his profession, respects it and also plays like an angel.

“FIFA ranking? We don’t need any extra motivation for an international match.

“That’s the priority, to face the game with maximum motivation, although there will be other [games].

“Changes? I won’t say my XI, but there will be changes and we’ll refresh the team. Anyone here can play. We’re prioritising the team, creating one that’s interchangeable.

“From the European Under-21 Championship in 2013 to today? I couldn’t imagine it. Football teaches you not to make plans.

“Striker? It’ll always depend on the situation at the time. The collective performance of the team is more important. Everything else is secondary.

“Summary of my spell so far? You can’t imagine things. You have to focus on what’s in front of you.

“We’re satisfied, but above all for the performances of our players, who have been excellent.

“They’re the real protagonists. That's what we’re going to try to protect and demand.”

Tags 2018 World Cup Israel Julen Lopetegui Spain
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