in Russia Xabi Alonso: Spain Ahead of Other Teams

PYou have been out of football for a year now. How has it gone? retty well. The fact is my pace of life has really changed. It was a decision I gave a lot of thought to, so while I do miss it, I’m coping with it well. What made you do your coaching badges? Has it given you a better understanding of the coaches you had in your career?

When you do a course like this you move away from the person you have always been and you get closer to the person you want to become. And that’s good. I have always tried to understand the job and how complex it is to be a coach, which has nothing to do with being a footballer.

You realise all the things you have to prepare and that when the time comes to get it all across you have to summarise it and be as efficient as possible. That might be where part of the secret lies. And then there’s team management, psychology, and personal relationships, which are almost more important in a way.

How well do you think Julen Lopetegui (he was sacked a day before the World Cup started) is doing with Spain?

I think he’s doing really, really well. He’s got things very clear in his head. He’s been able to tell his players very clearly what he wants, and that’s essential. If you can't do that, then you’re probably not going to achieve your objectives. The national team has got a lot going for it in that respect.

Do you see any similarities between this Spain side and the one that won the World Cup and two European titles?

The idea of taking the game to the opposition is still there, of controlling the game, passing the ball around and not being so direct. Yes, I would say it’s still pretty much the same. Lopetegui’s Spain has very close ties with the things that make Spanish football strong. It’s based on intelligence, the ability to read matches, and technical quality. That’s what sets us apart from other teams.

And then there are the tactical nuances and the flexibility you need for different games because football’s getting increasingly complex and you have to know how to adapt. You try to take the initiative but there are times in matches when you have to play a different way and not make all the running.

Aside from talent, what was the secret of the success of that trophywinning Spain side?

Team spirit is vital, that sense of everyone fighting together to achieve a very important objective. You have to all get on. If you don’t, then it can really wear you down. But it very much looks to me as if the current team has got that too. And then there’s the blend of seasoned veterans who still have big contributions to make with players who’ve shown lots of enthusiasm and desire since coming in. That’s a very positive thing too.

The 23-man squad for Russia 2018 has generated less debate than many others in recent years. What alternatives does it offer when it comes to opening up opposition defences?

There are players who are better at finding space between the lines, players who like to get round the outside or who can cause a lot of damage when given space to work in, like Diego Costa and Marco Asensio. I think this Spain side has more ways of playing than we did. In our case, if we weren’t close to the opposition penalty box, then we found it harder to hurt them.

Looking ahead to the group phase, Spain will have to take the initiative, even with Portugal, who I think are going to sit back and wait. Sometimes you have to go and play a different way, though, and having players who have something else to offer is crucial.

La Roja are among the favou- rites for the title. How do you think they will do and which other teams are in with a chance?

I’m not just saying it, but I would put them among the favourites because I don’t see any side that’s better than Spain right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the games though. Germany are another of the big favourites. They’re a very strong side and they’re always there or thereabouts. The way they’ve been playing, it would be a massive surprise if they don’t make the semis, because they’re the champions and because of the new generation who’ve come into the team. Brazil are also right in there. I think those three are above the rest. Then there’s Argentina, France and maybe a surprise or two. Why not?

For the first time in many years you’ll be watching the World Cup as a fan. Have you got anything planned?

I like to watch big games with the people I usually watch matches with. And I’ll probably go to the Final. I have already got my ticket; all I need now is for Spain to get there (laughs).

Spain remains unbeaten in over 20 matches after the country's elimination from EURO 2016 in the last 16 at the hands of Italy, the defending champions began their World Cup campaign with a 3-3 draw with Portugal on June 15.