Spain coach Luis Enrique has outlined his football philosophy as he tries to engineer a route out of the group of death against Japan.
‘It’s good vibes, optimism and joy,’ said the enigmatic former Barcelona boss.
Enrique has brought his individual and eccentric brand of coaching to this World Cup, live-streaming insight to Spain fans on social media and giving his players days off to see their families.
After an opening 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, a 1-1 draw with Germany has left Group E wide open — but Enrique insisted on Wednesday night that his commitment to attacking football will not change.
‘Football is a show, like if you went to the theatre,’ said Enrique. ‘Fans want to see goals, entertainment. That’s how I interpret football. Other coaches don’t share this, that’s OK, but it’s what I like.
We don’t focus on the result, we focus on our path. It’s good vibes, optimism and joy. Maybe it’s excessive optimism.
‘If anything goes wrong and I am fired then that’s OK. But if this way fills my players with optimism, then I’m satisfied with it. Until I am proven wrong we have to keep thinking we are the best team and will play seven matches and win. It may not be true but that’s our goal.’
The group is on a knife edge ahead of the final games, with Spain one point ahead of Thursday's opponents Japan and Costa Rica, who will face Germany. Enrique was asked if he had considered trying to finish second to dodge a meeting with Brazil in the quarter-final.
‘We have wondered about this actually and reflected on it but let me explain,’ he said. ‘Imagine we think runner-up is better and we have reached the 90th minute with a good 0-0 draw but then five seconds from full time, Costa Rica and Japan both score. In the last 15 seconds, we would be out! Or Germany could win 5-0. Just imagine!
‘We are here to win seven matches and win the group. It could be Brazil in the quarters but OK. Let’s play Brazil.
‘At elite level, we cannot speculate. Avoiding Brazil may be easier? Easier in football? What is that? To win a World Cup you have to beat everyone who comes your way. That’s your goal. It’s soon all or nothing. Winner goes home. That’s the greatness of football.’
Enrique, 52, was questioned in the Spanish media this week after inviting players’ families into the training base.
But Enrique said: ‘It’s normal, right? They are not aliens, they are football players. Some of them are young boys. They have family and children and it’s normality they need.
‘It’s the same for all of us. Coaches, medical staff, players. Having a day off after 10 or 11 days is not crazy.’