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SPAIN NATIONAL TEAM

Lopetegui: "Isco? We are massive admirers and he gives me a lot of confidence"

Julen Lopetegui named his squad to play games against Colombia and Macedonia and he was asked about Real Madrid, Isco, Asensio at the press conference.

Update:
Lopetegui: "Isco? We are massive admirers and he gives me a lot of confidence"

Julen Lopetegui, former Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper and current Spanish manager, appeared at the press conference upon the naming of his 25 man squad to play a friendly against Colombia and a World Cup qualifier against Macedonia on June 7th and June 11th respectivley.

He says whether Isco should start in the final in two weeks time "is a question that shouldn't be aimed at me, but at the manager of Real Madrid," he said before continuing, "We really like the player and are really happy with the current form he is showing."

"When he was less of a factor at Real Madrid, we said that we really liked him and that he had the ability to progress that we really liked. We are all delighted with him and with every player in the Spanish squad that are playing roles in their teams."

Asensio and Isco during training with Real Madrid.
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Asensio and Isco during training with Real Madrid.Emilio NaranjoEFE

Asked whether Isco or Asensio would start, Lopetegui replied, "Every player on the squad list has the possibility to start and that's why they're here, but we will decide that in the moment."

On Asensio being called up, the man who took over from Vicente del Bosque said, "He has already made his debut with us and is competing at a really high level and at a team where it is not easy like Real Madrid."

Real Madrid players might miss out?

The Champions League final takes place on June 3rd with Real Madrid appearing, and with the games being played on the 7th and the 11th, Lopetegui has been forced into "selecting a squad thinking of all the possibilites. We had to look at a a squad that was a little bit more broad. We will wait to see when we can bring the Real Madrid players in."

"I am not responsible for his good form," said Lopetegui when asked about Isco. "He has a Father and a good coach who look after him well. It's the players that generate confidence in the trainer and for that he was called and why he gives me a lot of confidence in him.

Full squad list for Spain's upcoming games
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Full squad list for Spain's upcoming games