Luis Enrique: “The first half was the worst of my time in charge.”

Spain manager Luis Enrique spoke after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday.

What is your assessment?

“Losing always hurts but you have to appreciate Switzerland, who caused us a lot of problems from the start. The first half was the worst of my time in charge. We defended the corner for their second goal badly. In the second half, we improved. We tried until the end. The key match is against Portugal. We’ll go to Braga to win. The people of Zaragoza were great, a dedicated crowd and I thank them for their unconditional support. Despite the defeat, we are optimistic,” he said in words transcribed by AS.

Does this defeat give you any doubts ahead of the World Cup?

“No doubts at all. Obviously, it’s better to go to Qatar on a positive run, but I still have total confidence in the team. But our opponents are good, they know what they’re playing for. But it doesn’t always work out, when you don’t have a good day, that’s what happens.”

What do you expect from the match in Portugal?

“A win against Portugal would be a perfect way to go to the World Cup. We have drawn three times against them and now we will go there to win.”

GSFN