Luis Enrique: “I hope we repeat the feat of basketball”

Will you continue as coach if Spain reaches the final four of the Nations League?

My future is today. There is no more news. This is how we decided. I’m not worried about anything that might happen beyond the game against Switzerland. Nothing has changed. It’s my agreement with the Federation.

Which team is going to take out?

I prefer to tell them first, but an attack with Ferran, Morata and Sarabia is not misguided. Beating Portugal we will be in the final four of the Nations League, which is our goal. Zaragoza is a beautiful setting, in a soccer city since always. I prefer the pressure when the ball rolls and that people respect the anthem of the rival, Switzerland.

What is your opinion of the rebellion in the women’s team?

It is an abnormal situation that is difficult to manage, but I have no doubt that the RFEF is going to manage it in the best possible way. I can’t put myself in the situation because it hasn’t happened to me. The only ‘and yes… (Isi) that I know is a player, a very good one by the way, who is at Rayo Vallecano.

Do you like the earpiece invention?

I would love to continue with the earpiece and have it approved by UEFA, but it will be difficult to achieve this. Only if they let me say things to the pivot is enough for me.

Does what the basketball team has achieved in the European Championship oblige them?

Hopefully we can repeat the feat of the basketball team. I have a team full of stars that runs without the ball and that, with the ball, knows how to play. I trust what I see in training and I’ve had the best week since I’ve been a coach because the players have given everything. I am very optimistic about what is to come. But Switzerland knows how to play and it will not be an easy game. Right now they are the last in the group and that puts their permanence in the category at risk, which complicates everything and will motivate them.

How have you seen Borja Iglesias?

Borja Iglesias has had a beastly rhythm, like that of Nico Williams. But they, who are the new ones, and also all the others. They are in an exceptional moment and ready to compete.

How is Fernando?

I have seen Ferran like the others, very motivated and in good shape. He has some spectacular numbers and I have no doubts about his profile, whether he went through better or worse moments. Because that is something that happens to everyone. But it is the first time that I see everyone equally well, ready to play. He could draw the team because of the 25, all could be starters. I spend more time thinking about our team than the rival, because I’m more interested in what we do.

What do you expect from La Romareda?

Zaragoza brings me good memories, and that I always came as a visitor. The public squeezes and has a football atmosphere. I’m sure people are going to take us on wings and hopefully Zaragoza and my Sporting will return to the top flight soon.

Can Panda and Morata play together?

Good players can always play together. The National Team has its style regardless of whether one or the other plays. This is a team sport and that is how we have assimilated it.