Spain focused on Cup, not Catalonia: Thiago
MADRID: Spain’s players are “focused” solely on Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania, midfielder Thiago Alcantara has insisted, adding that players were tired of being asked about teammate Gerard Pique’s stance on the independence referendum in Catalonia.
“As for Gerard we see him as he’s always been, with the same commitment as ever and the same happiness, even in the changing room,” said Thiago .
“We’re sorry because we came here to play football, I didn’t come here to talk about anybody’s life, Koke’s or mine, we came here to play football.”
The 26-year old though is saddened by the abuse Pique is getting in training sessions.
“When I’ve come (to the Spain camp) Pique has always had the same attitude, commitment and happiness . (The situation) saddens us because we come here to talk about football, I’m not here to talk about anybody. It saddens me not to be able to be comfortable and talk about Albania.”
PIQUE COMMITTED
MADRID : Gerard Pique is committed to Spain and should not be doubted, team-mate Jonathan Viera said.
Pique was jeered by fans during a training session, with the Barcelona defender criti- cised for his support of the Catalan independence referendum.
“Everybody has their thoughts and freedom of opinion. If he thinks that way, we just have to respect it,” Viera said. “If he’s here with us it’s because he is committed to the team. He’s been coming for years and doing things right so we shouldn’t cast doubt on him.”
KOMPANY OUT
BRUSSELS: Defender Vincent Kompany has been ruled out of Belgium’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers following talks with his club Manchester City, t he national team’s manager Roberto Martinez has said. “It’s not a disagreement. We’ve got protocols and a way of working,” Martinez said. “We’re going to call up the players, the squad was announc ed on Friday and then we’ve g o t another two days to have a clear assessment of where the players are.”
WALES LOSE BALE
LONDON: Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Wales’s final two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Ireland. Bale’s fitness has been a source of concern for the national side since he suffered a calf muscle strain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week. Wales are currently second in Group D, four points behind leaders Serbia and one point above Ireland.