Luis Enrique: “Ansu is recovered; forget about it because a pathology is created”

Luis Enrique, national coach, appeared before the media this Wednesday in the preview of the first match of the third edition of the Nations League. These were his statements.

How will you plan the matches? There are four in ten days and at the end of the season…

It conditions me, of course. We take into account the factors surrounding the National Team. This is the schedule, these are the matches. These are the dates and they are the same for all selections. It is evident that one sees the doors of the holidays…; I have been a player. But the World Cup is coming up in five or six months. And it is of vital importance to the players. We will try to control what we have to control.

Is there more to lose than win in these four games?

We want to win this competition. I don’t think there is any team that is going to win every game. Our objective is to aspire to the maximum, but they are the same conditions.

What would you highlight about Portugal? Fernando Santos has spoken highly of the National Team…

I appreciate the words of the Portugal coach. You as journalists look at the offensive level but you have to look too. He knows us well. We know Portugal well because of the condition it has. It is a selection of the highest level. In the last two friendlies that we played, that we could win…, let’s see what happens. That we are neighbors always implies rivalry but we have projects for the future. I hope it will be a nice match. In the previous ones there have been no ugly entrances. I hope it serves as encouragement.

How have you seen Ansu Fati?

It’s fine, beyond the situation he has had to live this season. We are here to help you. He could use playing and clearly we need players who are 100 per cent.

Will the World Cup being in December make it different?

Even when we have gone to the draw for the World Cup, we coaches have asked ourselves this question. When I played, you arrive with a dead battery, but the stimulation of the World Cup overcomes any tiredness. But I do not know. It is a question. What is certain is that it is different. And everything is going to be very different, but I am not going to classify them as adverse

How have you seen Asensio?

Very well. It has top quality. He hasn’t come in a while but I don’t see it as a handicap. That’s not important. The important thing is to be here.

Do you see leaders in this Selection?

Of course. It is true that my lists are becoming more predictable. But with me it is known that the list is open and with me there will be surprises before the World Cup and it will be open.

In the last game we asked him about the sides. What are you looking for on the right? He said that he didn’t find what he was looking for…

I have a very bad memory, but I doubt very much that I would say done. I am delighted with my right sides. That’s good and it’s a bit sticky. But I don’t think he would state that like that.

Xavi and you have talked about handling Ansu well, because he has had an injury to the meniscus in his left knee; and another in the tendon. Do you think she can be one hundred percent to start the preseason and be top to be on a list in November?

Ansu is recovered, forget about that because a pathology is created. He is healthy. And when a player hasn’t played for a long time, what he definitely needs is to play.

He is an admirer of Busquets. He always suffers criticism but it is what he has played the most.

Busi’s is exceptional. Many times he is unfairly criticized but he is the one who has played the most minutes. He would give it also in June. But I want to have him because I want him to be the leader of the National Team. I want to have him and although we try to take care of him, these are official matches and the best version of the National Team needs Busquets.