Football
ESPN staff 8y

Spain can no longer live in the past, insists new coach Julen Lopetegui

New Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has warned that the national team must stop living in the past if they are to repeat their recent international success.

Spain dominated international football between 2008 and 2012, winning two European Championships and a World Cup in the span. However they failed to reach the knockouts of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and were well-beaten in the round of 16 at Euro 2016 this summer.

Spain have been led by iconic stars such as Xavi, Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas and Andres Iniesta throughout their golden spell, however Lopetegui, who assumed the national team reins following longtime boss Vicente del Bosque's post-Euro resignation, says new blood is needed in the team.

"Spain have been dominating world football for a decade, and now two championships have come along, a World Cup and a Euros, where we haven't done that," the former Porto manager told AS.

"This is the reality, and what we now have to face during qualifying for Russia 2018, which will be very tough.

"But we have to put all our energy into doing well in the things that are under our control. We're aware of the difficulty of qualification, but also the capability of the Spain team and its potential.

"You need constant renewal. Spain has had the best generation in its history, but [Carles] Puyol, Xavi are no longer there. You can't live in the past.

"Now I want to mix the best of several generations."

Lopetegui hinted that Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez, Barcelona's Denis Suarez and Real Madrid's Marcos Asensio are three young stars who could get their national team chance soon.

"Logically, Saul, Denis and Asensio are in our thoughts," Lopetegui said. "They have a profile that fits the style I want Spain to have.

"I've looked at a number of players who have potential and we have to control them. I don't want to close any door to anyone."

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