Lopetegui: "Isco hasn't surprised me"
Julen Lopetegui spoke about the Real Madrid midfielder's scintillating form, David Villa's injury, and Spain's path to the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Julen Lopetegui, the coach of Spain, spoke to the press ahead of La Roja’s 2018 Russia World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein on Tuesday evening. The 51-year-old discussed Spain’s position following the comprehensive victory over Italy, David Villa’s injury, and Isco’s scintillating form.
Lopetegui: 'Italy is already in the past'
2018 World Cup: “We’re not worrying about the World Cup, just the match this Tuesday against Liechtenstein. There are three points that are equally important as those on Saturday. We’re not looking for anything but a victory. Italy is already in the past.”
On track for qualification: “We haven’t qualified for the World Cup. The three points tomorrow are vital to aspire towards Russia 2018. Having hope and excitement isn’t bad, the bad thing is euphoria. Everything good we have done up until now counts for nothing if we don’t have a good game against Liechtenstein.”
Starting XI against Liechtenstein: “We don’t know what changes we’ll make. It will depend on how the players are. We have an idea but the line-up won’t be there until tomorrow. Any of the 25 could play."
How the match will go: “We’ll take the match absolutely seriously… France drew against Luxembourg against all expectations. We have to concentrate and go out there strongly. The match is as important as the one against Italy, because the three points are worth the same. The victory on Saturday gives us a certain advantage, but we have to consolidate that in the three matches that remain in the qualification phase. We haven’t qualified yet and you have to have the correct, willing attitude. You can’t celebrate anything ahead of time.”
'David Villa will have more opportunities'
David Villa: “Villa’s injury is a real chore. It’s sad, but there will be more opportunities. I wasn’t listening to the Bernabéu asking for Villa [to come on], I couldn’t make it out. I was concentrating on the game. He came on because it was a good change.”
Isco’s performance: “Isco hasn’t surprised me. It’s one thing to have talent, and another to be a great player. Isco is in the second category… He has come away with the national team even when he hasn’t been playing as much with his club, because we were certain that he would help us.”
