Spain coach Luis Enrique has reacted to Spain 3-2 defeat against England at the Benito Villamarin on Monday evening in the UEFA Nations League.
England first half performance was extraordinary as they put three goals past Spain in the first 38 minutes after with Raheem Sterling breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute, Marcus Rashford scored the second in the 3oth minute and Sterling grabbed his brace in the 38th minute.
Spain reacted in the second half with substitute Francisco Alcacer and Sergio Ramos on the score sheet to get two goals for the La Roja. Spain was close to complete a comeback but unfortunately, the time was against Luis Enrique team.
“The first half was very bad and we have to accept that,” Luis Enrique said after the game.
“We showed up late and didn’t deal with the pressure and their first goal killed us.
“We made a lot of individual mistakes.
“It’s wrong for me to say it, but I was wonderful
at the break, as it would have normal for me to kill the players.
“I didn’t change anything and I told them that all great teams suffer.
“I understand that this team, with their attitude, didn’t need a kick or criticism or three changes.
“I needed to reinforce things, some nuanced changes at a tactical level and put them into a positive dynamic.
“There are times when you have to kick the table and sh** on everything and others when you don’t do that.”
Reflecting on the group as a whole, he remained positive given that La Roja’s fate is still in their own hands.
“Playing in a group against two World Cup semi-finalists is not easy, but we are still dependant on our own result against Croatia,” he pointed out.
“We have to go there to win.”
That match in Zagreb takes place on November 15.
