MADRID:  World and European champions Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insisted he will pick the best players available to him, even if that means dropping renowned stars.

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata and Athletic Bilbao striiker Fernando Llorente were among those who failed to make the latest 23-man squad and the 61-year-old adopted a pragmatic response to those questioning his selection.

"We have 23 players which I think are a lot for two matches, but we have to cover any possible eventuality," he told Radio MARCA.

"We aren't here to please people, but to field the best team."

When asked on Mata's absence, Del Bosque said it was an area where Spain had an abundance of quality.

"It's due to competition for places. Mata plays in an area where we have a lot of players," he said. "I can't think of another excuse. He's playing very well in the Premier League."

Del Bosque (pic) also revealed his joy at being able to call upon the services of chief striker  David Villa following his return from a long term injury where he broke his leg diuring the Club World Cup last December while playing for Barcelona.

"I think that Villa is happy, but I'm sure he'll demand more playing time here and at his club," he said.

"What's important is that he has recovered; that he's well. It's been a long injury. In addition, he's the goalscorer and the most renowned striker we have."

Tomorrow's pponents Belarus have lost both of their opening World Cup qualifying matches, but Del Bosque is refusing to underestimate Georgi Kondratiev's side.

"We have to be careful and make no mistakes. The Belarus team are made up of a group of talented youngsters from the Under-21 team mixed with some veterans," he said.

"They had France against the ropes in Saint Denis, and Georgia as well."

- mD

 

 

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