Qatar 2022: Luis Enrique claims responsibility of Spain defeat to Morroco
Spain coach Luis Enrique has claimed the responsibility of his side loss to Morocco in their round of 16 game on Tuesday.
Morroco picked the ticket to the quarter final at the expense of the 2010 World cup winner on penalties after playing out a goalless draw in the regulation time.
Speaking after the game, Enrique insisted that his young repleted squad are team for the future, even as he credited the Morrocan team for the win.
“We dominated but lacked a goal,” he said. “We created chances, we were progressive but we met an opponent who performed to a high level.
“We could’ve created more and been more efficient but I was happy with my team. They represent me and represent my style and I can only praise them.
“I am very happy with the profile of the players I have in my squad, I would not change them, I would go with them till the end.
“If anyone is responsible it’s me. This is sport, there is no point in punishing ourselves.”
Luis Enrique also had words of praise for Sarabia, Soler and Busquets for having the courage to take a penalties which they all failed to score at Education City Stadium.
He added: “We created enough chances to win the match but the end [the shoot-out] was not a lottery.
“You have to control yourself and be brave in managing that. I would select the same players to do it. Sarabia, Soler and Busquets were great, they missed, no problem, it’s part of the sport.”
Enrique also spoke glowingly of the impressive performance of the Morrocan Goalkeeper, Bounou who saved the efforts of Soler and Busquets while Sarabia hit the post in his own kick during the shootouts.
“Bounou was the man of the match and he’s a top goalkeeper,” added the former Barcelona boss.
“He’s a great person as I know first hand. He was decisive in the shoot-out and deserved to be the man of the match.” He concluded.
With the defeat to the Atlas Lions, the former World Champion have now failed to past knock out stage since they won the mundial in 2010.
