Luis Enrique defends Spain’s rotation against Japan
Luis Enrique
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Despite losing 2-1 to Japan, Spain qualified for the round of 16 – doing the German national team a disservice in particular. Luis Enrique then defended his approach.
Even in the run-up to the third day of group play, there was great fear on the German side that Spain could give up at the end in order to avoid winning the group. The reasoning behind this: As group winners, Spain would (most likely) meet top favorites Brazil in the quarter-finals – a duel that every nation would like to avoid. Second, on the other hand, Portugal would be waiting in the quarterfinals, which seems to be the much easier way.
Spanish newspapers headlined accordingly as the markwhether Spain “really interested [ist]”to be first”. And national coach Luis Enrique also admitted that such considerations might have to take place.
In fact, the Iberians did not field their strongest eleven on the last matchday, although the eleven players on the field were still impressive. The fact that it ended up being defeated by Japan left a very bitter aftertaste, at least in the German fan camp.
It should be noted that if Germany had won against Costa Rica by seven goals (the chances were there!), they could have overtaken the Spaniards on their own and progressed.
In any case, Luis Enrique was not aware of any guilt afterwards and gave (via SID) on record that he was of the opinion “that they would be the best eleven players for this game”. If he had to make a decision again, he would “do it again because I had 100 percent confidence in these players”. But he also admitted: “You’re always smarter afterwards.”
“I’m not happy,” he made clear and then emphasized – contrary to German assumptions: “I would have preferred to finish the group first. I never celebrate a defeat. A lot has changed in the tournament as a result – but I have nothing to celebrate.”
On the weak second half, in which Spain messed up a 1-0 lead against Japan (just like Germany), Enrique said succinctly: “Sometimes things like that happen in football.”
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This article was originally published on 90min.de as Luis Enrique defends Spain’s rotation against Japan released.