Krasnodar: The shadow of the dramatic sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup still hung over Spain as they set off for their final Group B game against Morocco in Kaliningrad after midfielder Saul Niguez openly criticised the decision.
Spain will qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup with a draw against already-eliminated Morocco on Monday although in order to guarantee top spot in Group B they will need to outscore Portugal, who will be in action against Iran.
The common line from Spain’s players since Lopetegui was sacked by Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales for negotiating a move to Real Madrid behind his back was that they have accepted the move, while admitting it was far from ideal for their campaign.
But Saul, who has known Lopetegui since he was his coach in the Spain under-19 team, broke ranks in an interview with Spanish state television on Saturday, saying the players should have been given a say in the seismic decision.
“It was surprising and I think that even though there were motives and reasons behind the decision, the players had no say in it and it was not the right time,” Saul said.
“Julen deserved to stay in charge after two years of preparing for the World Cup with us. Of course it has affected us, two days before [the tournament started] and they change your coach, it has really affected us. But we have tried to stay strong.”
Interim coach Fernando Hierro, who before the tournament was working as the team’s sporting director, said he had no problem with Saul’s comments.
“It’s logical, healthy, natural and what everyone is thinking,” Hierro said in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
“It’s normal and natural and players are free to say what they want about it. I’m here as a coach due to circumstances, I’ve been the first person to admit that, no one else needs to say it.”
Midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in the Group B decider.
“We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us,” the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game.
“We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the pitch the chances will come.”
Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as “tiki taka”.
Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in the national team after legend Xavi’s retirement.
“This is my first time in a big competition with the national side,” he said. “I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side.”
Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russia’s European enclave knowing the job is far from done.
“This is the World Cup, and not one single game is going to be easy,” Hierro said. “We can improve, and I hope we will keep winning while we do so, but nobody is giving anything away easily.
“In certain groups teams have already qualified [for the last 16] but our group is very tough. We have no option but to secure all three points against Morocco.”
The North Africans were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament but Herve Renard’s men have acquitted themselves well.
They were desperately unlucky to lose 1-0 in their opener against Iran due to a disastrous 95th-minute Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal.
