Real Madrid star Thiago chooses his future team

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente justified his latest squad list, the final one before the World Cup, ahead of the matches against Serbia and Egypt. The main new additions are Joan García, Mosquera, Barrenetxea and Víctor Muñoz. He also spoke about Real Madrid starlet, Thiago Pitarch.

Joan García’s first call-up: “Rules are made to be broken. He is a great goalkeeper, and that is not something we have just discovered. He has been an Under-21 international for five years. He can contribute to a positive team dynamic, a strong work ethic, teamwork and the ability to push others. Today we felt it was the right time for him to join us. The best news is that we have so many players to choose from.”

On having a squad with four goalkeepers: “There is still plenty of time, and any player not being on the list does not mean he has been ruled out. It was the right moment to bring in four very good goalkeepers. This is a very unusual World Cup, which gives us ideas when making decisions, and we believe the choices we make will be appropriate for the competition. We can take 26 players and one goalkeeper will have to be left out. We will decide who that will be later.”

Debate about the goalkeeper position: “I do not understand it. It is great news that we are having difficulty choosing players. There is no debate about it. You are the ones creating that. There is zero pressure and we are bringing in the players we feel we need. We will always be professional and honest. People are saying, ‘What a problem for De la Fuente now, having to call up Joan García’. Can anyone believe I would have been happy about Joan García’s injury? I have not been any braver for bringing in three or four players. We brought them in because it was the most appropriate decision.”

Which goalkeepers will play: “Now we will see how training goes and what each match brings. We want to win these two games and leave with a good feeling. We want it to be beneficial for everyone. I cannot tell you that each player will play a half. We will see how each match unfolds.”

How to manage a squad with four goalkeepers: “The decision required a lot of thought. We saw it as an opportunity to observe team dynamics, training, intelligence and behaviour within the group. There are other very good goalkeepers who could also be in the national team, and that is fine.”

Thiago Pitarch’s situation: “It is a case similar to Mosquera’s. The great news is that Thiago wants to play for Spain; he is a player very committed to the national team and that, as with other players, gives us a lot of joy. We fully respect anyone who decides otherwise and prefers to go with another country, wishing them the best, but I am very happy that Thiago has chosen to wear our shirt.”

Rodri’s excellent form and Carvajal’s difficulties: “We celebrate Rodri’s current form and we are happy that he is with us. With Carvajal, everyone knows what they have to do at their clubs, and we hope he will improve further so he can be with us again. He is a very important player.”

The cancellation of the Finalissima: “We wanted to play it. I have always said that and maintained that position, as has the RFEF. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Federation for trying by every possible means to organise this match, as well as the games against Serbia and Egypt. I also congratulate the RFEF and the Federation staff for their work.”

Argentina declared Finalissima champions: “I refer to the RFEF statement exactly as it is. The match has not been played, so… it takes two to tango.”

Thoughts on the Finalissima preparation: “The Finalissima was a chance to win a title, but we were also looking beyond it and preparing for the World Cup. It is true that we wanted to play it and win it so we could celebrate it with the players. We have not been together since November, so this window was very important for us to get back into rhythm and to see new players.”

Merino, Fabián, Nico Williams and Carvajal are missing. What do they need to do to make the World Cup squad? “They need to keep working as they are. Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata both have to continue working, and that is how they understand football, by proving it on the pitch. Hopefully Dani will recover the form he showed at the Euros. They need to play, return to their usual level and then they will be with us.”

Will he be more empathetic in this window regarding clubs’ concerns about fatigue? “I am very empathetic. I will take care of the players exactly the same way as when they are with their clubs.”

Mosquera, Barrenetxea, Víctor Muñoz all included: “Mosquera is the kind of player we have talked about before: committed, captain of the Under-21 team and eager to play for Spain. He is having a good season with Arsenal. The other day a coach said that the Champions League is a special competition where one mistake can knock you out. Well, welcome to the world of international tournaments. We want these new players to experience this kind of pressure, something they might not encounter as often at their clubs.”

Related stories

International soccer

Madrid stars absent from latest Spain squad

Real Madrid

Real skipper passes the test amid race against the clock

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.