Ikoli Victor
Doha
Spain coach Luis Enrique said poor finishing was the bane of the 2010 World Champions’ exit in the Round of 16 match against Morocco at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday.
Spain played some exhilarating football, but on the most important day, they just couldn’t stack up as they failed to make a breakthrough during regulation and extra time.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the former Barcelona manager said: “At the match we did dominate but lacked finishing power. We progressed offensively and had moments to kill off our opponents. We generated more chances, but we didn’t have enough time and space.
“Morocco played very well defensively, and I praise them for their win.”
Asked about the quality of players at his disposal and the impact that those who didn’t make it could have had, he said: “I am happy with the profile of players I have and I support them to the end. If there’s anyone who’s responsible it’s me. I praise the players but it’s a huge disappointment, and we feel sad, especially for our fans who have supported us all the way.”
Enrique whose contract still runs with the Spanish football federation, said this isn’t the right moment to speak about his future. “I can’t speak about my future yet, and this is not the right time. My contract will soon end, but I am happy with the Federation and the support of the sporting director. When I need to make that decision about my future, I will announce it.”
Enrique added that despite the defeat through penalties, the players played “a clean game and a beautiful game of football for the world to see, and the team has been outstanding so far.”
Before the game Enrique had claimed his players his players prepared by taking 1,000 penalties as homework but Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed from the spot.
“I chose the takers, I thought they were the best on the pitch,” said Luis Enrique.
“I chose the first three and I would do it again. (If I could change something) I would take Bounou away and put another goalkeeper there.
“(Penalties) are not a lottery for me. You have to control yourself, to know how to control it. I would choose the same players again.”
“I have no complaints against my players. I feel sorry that some of the players didn’t play. I was very unfair to Sarabia and Pablo, but I had to make decisions.”
