How do you approach the final against Sweden?
You have to be as competitive as possible. The concentrations in September are complicated, because you get there with little running. The game against Sweden in Stockholm can mark the group, so we have to go for the victory.
Do you see Guardiola as a coach?
I would love it, it would be perfect. Spain could not have a better coach. I would like to see the team under the imprint of Pep.
There is controversy over the transfer of South American players to their national teams, how do you see it?
The relationship between clubs and national teams is always complicated, but for that there is a unified calendar. What has generated controversy has been the America's Cup. I do not want to pronounce myself, because each one has his reasons.
Juanjo González is the new goalkeeping coach, why has Sambade left?
I make the decisions and I believe that not only the players, but also the coaches, must be on the move. I welcome Juanjo and thank Sambade for his work.
Koeman called him to inform him of Pedri's vacation, which is not on the list …
I clearly understand the interests of club coaches, because I have been too. But what has to be clear is that my judgment is what counts. The opinions of the coaches will not affect me, although I am delighted that they call me. All the players want to go to the National Team, but you have to agree on the calendars because they are not machines and they need rest.
There are several players of the so-called 'parallel bubble', the 'meritorious' who came before the Euro. Do you reward them for that behavior?
Their state of form has been decisive much more than the attitude they had when they came before the European Championship, for which I thank them very much. I have seen them directly and that has been very important. They are going to give a great level because their start to the season has been very good.
Mancini says that Italy, Spain and Argentina are the best. Has Spain recovered its best level?
It is very nice to hear opinions like this, but the reality is that we did not reach the final of the Eurocup, which was played by Italy and England. Spain met expectations because we were among the best, and we were also the ones who scored the most goals together with Italy and the one who reached the area the most. We played very well, and we are the fifth youngest team because we had a total of 522 caps because the others exceeded a thousand … but all that is past and now what counts is Sweden.
Is Íñigo Martínez well and fully recovered?
I haven't called Íñigo Martínez nor he called me. He was very brave not to go to the Eurocup. I see him compete with Athletic and I see him very well, so I don't think he will call me to tell me that he is not coming. I hope to see you soon, because I am looking forward to greeting you.
Are there no Andalusian players in the National Team?
I didn't know, I was planning to go to Tarifa after these games … but almost not … Anyway, I'm not anti-Andalusian. There are players who are off the list who deserve to be in, but I can only call 24. I summon the best for each moment.
Abel Ruiz is there and Iago Aspas is not there …
There are many who could be, but are not. In the case of Abel Ruiz, we like his football and the way he plays. He has a track record in the lower categories.
Can Sergio Ramos come back?
Sergio Ramos is in the same situation as last season. He has not yet been able to compete.
There are no Madrid players: do you prefer to call others or do they not give the level for the National Team?
There are no Real Madrid players, I can't explain more. I can only get complicated if I try to explain something that is like that. My deeds speak louder than my words.