Spain fell to a 3-2 defeat to England on Monday evening and coach Luis Enrique took the unusual approach of praising his own actions at half time after the game, despite La Roja not quite managing to complete a comeback.
Despite the defeat, Luis Enrique, much like Sergio Ramos, was keen to focus on the positives to emerge from the performance as La Roja came close to completing a comeback after falling three goals behind before the interval.
"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 been 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.
wiuklostz
0
You know what, I would love it if Croatia smacked Spain properly, that would teach Enrique to disrespect Football with the performance against England.
Milin Grover
2
here is enrique who at least takes some responsibility upon himself and there is mourinho....what else can i say???
rmeben
0
Spain shd have won the game!! So many chances for Asensio and Pickford foul not given!
Ratan Konsam
0
England was lucky to score 3 of the 3 shots on target. They were very clean in finishing which spain lack. I see a new spain under enrique. He is one of the best manager right now. He can win many things with spain.
_KDB
2
“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” - Germany
kunsub
0
England was lucky to score 3 of the 3 shots on target. They were very clean in finishing which spain lack. I see a new spain under enrique. He is one of the best manager right now. He can win many things with spain.
wtf lucky?? just accept that they were better
kunsub
0
If it was Jose Mourinhno, the referee did this, the defender did that,,, Enrique accepted his mistake and encouraged his troops unfortunately their come back wasn't completed,,,,, congrats to the three lions
using Jose Mourinho's name to get clout lmfaoo
Bhenry
1
its too late oga
Fabsongoodness
3
If it was Jose Mourinhno, the referee did this, the defender did that,,, Enrique accepted his mistake and encouraged his troops unfortunately their come back wasn't completed,,,,, congrats to the three lions
cenaldo
4
ahhh you paaa there were many weapons in the dressing room,you should have killed them during halftime.
Pasindurcg
8
This is what happens when you leave good full backs like Jodi Alba
Ratan Konsam
4
England was lucky to score 3 of the 3 shots on target. They were very clean in finishing which spain lack. I see a new spain under enrique. He is one of the best manager right now. He can win many things with spain.
Biainkobe
4
It's mainly the back line problem. The age is too big. It's time for new people to play.
Uniqukiss
3
I believe he can lead Spain to glory.
Hymanhugo
1
Many clubs will rue missing out on him as a coach. What Man U would give for his attacking template on their team right now ? Instead they are left celebrating a somewhat fortunate win against Newcastle.
Stephnine
2
Whoever wrote this is clueless. Luis Enrique played a low profile squad in order to give opportunitties to everyone and rest many others but everyone in Spain know the ones who played against Wales wont be regular starters. Bartra wont play before Ramos, Suso wont play before isco or Asensio, etc etc....
Moccame
1
Luis Enrique has made a big impact so far with the Spanish National side. He was a good player both at Barca and Madrid and a good manager at Barca. Has the right skills to take Spain back to the top of their game.
shiaweek
0
Of course you will like him when he is not on your level and has not won even 1% of the trophies you have have won and when he doesn't stand a chance against your team. of course you will love it. What is the point of praising someone's style of play when they have won absolutely nothing with it? He is just trying to be nice to Southgate.
iudod33
0
Spain have got more people watching them train than the Lionesses get on a good day
LoveBVB
0
I'd rather watch the Europa League than the UEFA Nations League. That's how bad it is.