Del Bosque: "Spain are not that far from what they were"

The Spanish national team has lost some of the great attachment that it had with the fans…

It is the logical reaction to what happened at the World Cup in Brazil. Before we were blessed and now the people are fixed more on what’s bad than what’s good. Everything seems worse. But it’s not. We do things well, some things very well. Spain are not that far from what they were. The affection and the interest of the people will be recovered with wins and good play. But I am optimistic. The first objective is qualification for the European Championship. I hope that we will achieve it. We are the reigning champions of Europe and we want to be in France to defend the title. We will arrive there with a team that is capable and ready to compete.

Did the match against Ukraine leave doubts?

When I say that we look more at what’s bad than what’s good it’s because the national team’s good first half was not appreciated as much as what happened in the second half. Spain took the initiative and went ahead. We played well in the first half. Then came a slump, we lacked [the ability] to link up and bring the tempo. We misused the step back and Ukraine came up, but because they were losing. We all know that Spain suffer when they do not have the ball. It is not a secret. I do not want to justify anything, but it is not easy. New people have arrived, we are making adjustments and we had not played for four months. But there were also good things.

What stood out?

It was a match in which the victory was vital, and was achieved. We didn’t concede any goals and we were capable of negating two good players like Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka. New people are arriving to the national team, but there is a consolidated block and a firm idea. The axis of Sergio Ramos-Piqué-Busquets is there, in top form. They are people with craft, with titles, with clout. They are not boys. They have experience and from them we have to grow and improve the things that we have to improve. Fundamentally, we have to progress in our attacking football. It is not a question of names, it is a question of the team. It might cost us a little bit more, but we will achieve it. Once we improve the offensive play a positive change will be noted. We are going to work on that.

Is that why Álvaro Morata is there?

Morata and all of the others. It is not about a single player. Morata is a humble boy, with good intentions, who is excited to play with the national team. He has everything to establish himself as a goalscorer, and his experience in a big club like Juventus comes in handy. Morata is one of those who is ready to play and perform with the senior national team.

What do you think of Isco?

Well, the best, that’s why we brought him with the national team. Since he was a boy he seemed sure to come, it could be seen that he had the conditions. He has carved a niche in a team like Real Madrid, which is not at all easy, and therefore he comes with Spain. We have a lot of faith in Isco, like [we do in] all of the youngsters that we have brought. We try to bring those that we believe are the best, those that can help us.

Are you concerned about Tuesday’s match against the Netherlands?

It is a difficult match. The people will be watching. But we go with people capable of competing. We will see if those who played in Sevilla will repeat [their inclusions in the starting XI] or if we go out with a new team. We have two days and some training.

Is Andrés Iniesta well?

Against Ukraine he played well, like he almost always does. I see him in good condition, as well as being very attached to and at ease with the national team. He is a key player for Spain.

In short, can we trust these players and this national team?

We can, but the national team also has to provide reasons for the hope.

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