Vicente Del Bosque has given his reasons for naming Munir El Haddadi in the Spain squad, and discussed Diego Costa, Iker Casillas and others.
Munir was named as the replacement for Costa, who dropped out of the party to play Macedonia tomorrow after picking up an injury.
The teenager has played only a handful of games for Barcelona, scoring on his debut against Elche in the first League game of the season.
“It was a logical and natural solution [to call-up Munir],” del Bosque told Spanish television, according to AS.
“For one thing [Albert] Celades had already called him into the Under-21s. We named Munir because he was already at the training complex.
“I’m not saying Costa is the best in that position but he is giving the best performance.
“Football is not just one thing. The balance between short passes and long passes is important. If we press, it’s to help Costa.”
The goalkeeper’s position appears up for grabs too as David De Gea got the nod for the midweek defeat to France, over captain Iker Casillas.
“Iker spent a year-and-a-half in an awkward situation,” del Bosque said of Casillas’ problems at club level, where he spent a long time as Real Madrid’s second choice.
“It hurts him more to lose the confidence of the Madrid fans than not to play.
“De Gea is one of our options. We’re lucky with his progression and for the future of the national team.
“I think a lot of Victor Valdes. He has been very committed to the national team.”
Del Bosque also dismissed talk of a row with Gerard Pique after there appeared contradictory statements regarding his availability, and also pushed Koke as the future of La Roja’s midfield.
“There’s no contradiction. He called me to say he was not in the right condition but he wanted to come anyway,” the Coach explained.
“Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso are part of history. The new, as in the case of Koke, will sustain our midfield.”
