Martínez: “The level of Spain, France and Italy shows the prestige of the Nations League”

After getting the qualification for the Final Four of the Nations League, Roberto Martínez he attended the media from Leuven. The coach analyzed the victory against Denmark (4-2) and the appointment in Italy in October 2021.

Analysis: “The game had many things and moments in which we did many things well. With the first goal we felt that we were in the Final Four and maybe it was too long. There was a reaction in the second half, with good moments, scoring four goals against Denmark, which is not easy if you look at their results. The game has had many things, good possession at times, good defense … We have been very responsible. “

Prestige: “It is only the second edition of this tournament, but when you see the teams it is clear that this competition will gain in prestige. It is what you want to play, a semi-finals in Italy with these teams. For us they are games that we need, like today too “It was a final. I'm a fan of this competition, I had said it before. Replacing the friendlies was a great decision. It's fantastic for the fans and everyone associated with the national team.”

Efficiency as a key in the qualifying phase: “Efficiency without quality does not work. It is a combination. It would highlight the attitude of the players. This satisfies me immensely. Of course, we can do better, including today and in the second half against England. We must give credit to the players Today we did not have Castagne, Carrasco or Meunier, we were missing players in two crucial positions for our system and I am very happy with the performance of the footballers. “

Comparison with a European Championship or a World Cup: “It's a huge satisfaction because normally you have to go through a lot of games and then in the big tournament you might not make it to the knockout games. This tournament has the best of both, many months with many players first and then the knockout phase. What it means (today's achievement) is that we will play like in a great tournament: if you lose you are out and if you win you continue. That gives an extra “.

Rivals: “The level of the teams in the Final Four shows that it is prestigious, with a different format, with the fans and the rest of those involved still getting used to it. Spain, Italy, France … all have their merits. They would not make rankings with they will be two matches at the highest level and will be decided by details. “

Tielemans: “We are delighted with Youri. If you look back, when he debuted here he was training with the Under-21s and we felt that he had important qualities for the future. He is an example of what young people in Belgium need: to be first in a team in the country and Only go out when the time is right. His evolution has been incredible. He has talent, personality… “.

Denmark, also in the Eurocup group: “It is a very strong team, with a generation of high level in their clubs and in international football. In 2018 they were eliminated in the World Cup by a team that later reached the final. They have technical players, with the attack in the head. They won at Wembley, which is impressive, like their performance today. “

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Greater comfort on the left or right: “The most important thing is to play. With Belgium I have played more often in the last two years and I am happy. I can also do it in the center. I learn a lot about how to defend, the teammates talk to me a lot, we have good communication. It is good for him. team that players can play in various positions “.

Spain, France and Italy: “They are three great teams. It will be difficult to win this title, but it is what we want and we will try to do something special for the fans. Spain is a great team. They showed it with Germany, they are very strong. But the others too.”