Luis Enrique: "We have quite a few players who fly"

The coach advances for this Friday "a decision" with Gayà

MADRID, 17 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The national soccer coach, Luis Enrique Martínez, explained that the friendly (1-3) against Jordan this Thursday is not to draw "conclusions" since he made the lineup consulting the load of minutes for the players to arrive in the best condition at the premiere at the World Cup in Qatar, while celebrating having "enough players who fly" and lamenting Gayà's injury.

"It was a difficult game, you can't go out relaxed. The result was the least of it, although it is much more positive to win. Without a doubt (one of the applicants). We are the seventh team in the FIFA ranking, our intention is to play seven games "I see the team very well, with the necessary desire. A friendly is not the best, the mind is on the World Cup, but we have played it, it has gone well and now, to prepare for Costa Rica", he affirmed.

The coach assessed the match in Amman at a press conference and revealed that the players played an important part in deciding the minutes they played to get ready for their debut in Qatar 2022 next Wednesday against Costa Rica. "The balance is very positive because it has gone well, no disputes, I have been able to test players, although it is the first game of my career that the players have made the lineup based on the minutes they thought best to better arrive in Costa Rica. I I have coordinated it so that everyone could get close to those minutes," he said.

"Today don't draw too clear conclusions. Asensio, on another level, and Dani Olmo have finished inside; Rodri can play as a center back as well as a pivot. I have adapted to what the players wanted to arrive in the best conditions. The The only condition was that he wanted a competitive team in each part. Having versatile players is basic", he added.

On the other hand, 'Lucho' lamented the injury to José Luis Gayà, who was confirmed this Thursday to have a low-grade sprain in his right ankle. "It is the delicate subject of these four days. In a fortuitous action, alone, making a cross, he has had a small problem. The information belongs to the player. Tomorrow we will make a decision about it, when we are clear about it. It is unpleasant news without doubt these first days," he said.

The Asturian coach explained again what was discussed with the players to make the eleven. "Not the line-up, I have told them how many minutes each one needed. I have asked each one how many minutes they thought they had to play to arrive in Costa Rica in the best conditions. Busquets, Pedri, Unai Simón wanted to play and they have not played. Then I have made my hodgepodge", he pointed out, before praising Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo and Asensio.

"Determination and ambition is what we look for in everyone. Ansu has a special relationship with goals and that is good news. We seek to generate confidence in all the players so that when they have the opportunity to help us, they give their best level," he said.

"Dani Olmo has returned to a very high level after his injury. He has had the opportunity to make it 0-4 and the next time they score against us. I leave it as an anecdote. In training you see the players who fly and We have enough of those. I'm happy", he added, to continue with Asensio.

"Today he has been at another level. We have limited the mobility of '9', so that he appears where we want. Then we have tried him inside and I loved it, he can play whatever he wants with that attitude and that level", he confessed .

Luis Enrique was expectant because the moment of truth had arrived. "Adding players to the goal, the illusion, the ambition, the atmosphere, is what makes us very solid. Now the World Cup really begins. We want to be in our residence and face the first game calmly. If there is anything left over from the The first game is being overexcited. Today was a test to be in the game", he finished.