Luis Enrique spoke to Ibai: the defeat against Morocco, the player who deserved the most minutes and his candidate to win the World Cup

Luis Enricoafter the elimination of Spain at the World Cup in Qatar 2022, in the round of 16 by the hand of Morocco, he visited the streamer Plains of the Ibai and was hurt by the Spanish side’s missed opportunity.

“Because of the level of football I see, I feel we have missed a great opportunity”underlined the Spanish coach in a relaxed chat with Ibai, which at times was followed by 400,000 people.

“Since day one we’ve been trying to convince players that we have a real chance. And the proof is in the first phase, where we reached an excellent level,” added Luis Enrique, who highlighted the historic 7-0 victory over Costa Rica on its World Cup debut.

“But what’s done is done, I’m the most responsible and that’s it”continued the former footballer, who then -answering the fans’ questions- delved into the defeat on penalties against Morocco.

First of all, he underlined that Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper of the African team, “is spectacular” and was the great protagonist of the penalty shoot-out.

“In the previous one we looked at the sanctions and adulterated the data, why Bono had an 80% chance of guessing the sides. It’s spectacular. But he had a low save percentage. We ignored the data, but warned players that it moved around a lot. He’s a specialist, a top-level goalkeeper, not only on penalties, but also in the match, he is always attentive”.

And then Luis Enrique surprised by assuring that one of his mistakes was not giving more minutes to Pablo Sarabia, who came on at the end of the game.

“It is clear that Pablo Sarabia should have conceded many more minutes in this World Cup after seeing his participation in the last five minutes. He was spectacular at the European Championship, he played zero at PSG, but right now I would have made him a starter. I’m not one of those who fight, but in terms of justice I should have put it, even if we could still lose,” said the man born in Gijón, who after Qatar stopped being coach of the Spain (recently took over from Luis de la Fuente).

“After a difficult situation in life or in football, you improve and learn, that is, if you are positive and don’t give up”highlighted Luis Enrique, grasping the positive side of the blow.

For his part, the coach has assured that he continues to watch the World Cup and that – as he has already said – he wants it that victory for Argentina, because “I would like it for Leo Messi, for what he means for football”.

“We have the possibility of repeating the France-Croatia final, but the truth is that I wouldn’t like it. It would be a bomb if Morocco won. I don’t care, may the best man win. And if it weren’t for Leo Messi, but I don’t want to mess with him”added.

And consulted by the best of the World Cup, highlighted the Moroccan Sofyan Amrabat. “Morocco have four very good players on an individual level,” he explained. After, He showered Pedri with praise. “For me he’s Harry Potter, he’s a different player, how he shapes himself, how he controls the ball, his physique. He’s the closest thing to Andrés Iniesta,” said Luis Enrique of the young Barcelona footballer.

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