Europe 1 with AFP 9:34 p.m., December 6, 2022
Eliminated (0-0 ap, 3-0 on pens) by Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2022 Football World Cup on Tuesday, Spain "dominated" but "just missed a goal" according to coach Luis Enrique, "sad" but "proud" because his players "perfectly represented his idea of football".
Journalist
: Did your style of play end up causing your loss?
Luis Enrique
: "We dominated the match, we just missed a goal. We created dangerous situations, against an opponent entrenched behind. We could have been more effective in the last meters, it's true. But this area is where the space-time is the smallest. We could have created more, but I'm more than satisfied with what my players did. They perfectly represented my idea of football".
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Journalist
: How do you explain the three missed penalties?
Luis Enrique
: "The reason is simple: I chose the first three shooters. I thought they were the best shooters on the field at that time. From the third shooter, I let the players decide. Well, you see, I had some flair, huh? But if I had to do it again, I would do the same thing, I would choose the same three shooters. The only thing I would change is that I would remove (Yassine) Bounou from the cages".
Journalist
: What did you tell your players after the elimination?
Luis Enrique
: "The only important thing in this sport is the ability we have to make a lot of people happy, even strangers. When I look at the passion with which they live this in Argentina, I say to myself: phew , this pressure!". In these extremes, it doesn't help, it penalizes. A little tranquility, support, that's what the players need. It's not a war, it's a sport where we represent our country. We are sad, we have a feeling of disappointment but I congratulated my players for their behavior throughout the tournament. If there is someone responsible, it is me, not them. life goes on, I hope it will be useful to them in the future".