Jordi Alba grateful for Lopetegui's faith
The left back played the full 90 minutes of Spain's victory over Israel. Speaking to the press after, he expressed his disappointment at lack of action at Barça.
Jordi Alba spoke to the press following his part in Spain’s victory over Israel. The full back thanked Julen Lopetegui for the faith he has shown in him, despite appearing sporadically for Barcelona recently.
'He showed his support for me throughout'
“Coming here [on international duty] has always been rewarding for me. I spoke with Julen and he has shown his support for me throughout. He has said both negative and positive things to me. I’m grateful that he has been straight forward.”
“In the end, we all like people to be straight with us, we like to be told both the negatives and the positives in order to open the mind and know where you can improve. In this respect, Julen has been with me 100%. I have already said that, for me, it is vital that the manager is with me in difficult situations that I haven’t experienced before. For that, I am grateful.
'I would have liked to have played more'
The ex-Valencia player is clearly frustrated by his exclusion from Luis Enrique’s Barça line up in recent weeks, as the manager has opted for a 3-4-3 formation. Yet he remained professional.
“Whether I’m playing or not playing, I have to be with the team. I would have liked to have played more than I have done this year, but that’s the same for every footballer. Ultimately, I haven’t said anything untoward. It is normal to want to play every minute of every important game, unfortunately I haven’t been able to play in the games I would have liked. But I’ll keep on working and giving my all for the club.”
