Luis Enrique deletes the most classic question

It is not known how far Spain will come at the World Cup in Qatar. The crystal ball was invented for literature, for series and movies, but not for reality that never tires of giving surprises. In the Spanish concentration, by public statements, they assure that the goal is to play seven games. The defeat against Costa Rica, of course, fed the illusion that the defeat against Japan tempered. For now, apart from the answers that will appear in the future, Luis Enrique managed to erase the most classic question that can be asked of a coach for a long time. And it’s not a little…

World Cup Qatar 2022: calendar, when it ends, where it is, how it will be played and participating teams

You will like it more or less. It will be effective or not. The project will fail or succeed, if it is true that failures and triumphs are measured only by defeats and victories. However, no one, in a bar, in a square or at a press conference, can ask that question “What is Luis Enrique’s team playing?” No one, no one at all, in a newsroom, in a school, or on public transportation, can ask “How will Luis Enrique’s team play?”

There are no mysteries, no hesitations. There is a philosophy of the game, a very clear idea that is thought about, trained and put into practice. Three non-negotiable points: high pressure (for this reason, forwards are usually substituted first in matches), possession, and a one, two, or (maximum) three touch match.

The tournament doesn’t matter, neither does the opponent. There are three points that make up the pyramid. From that shape everything adapts. Can you play without a classic 9? Yes, Asensio played that role in several presentations. Can you play without a classic central defender? Yes, Rodrigo was next to Laporte and Pau Torres. You can play an experienced Koke or a youthful Gavi, a Jordi Alba or a Balde. And so on. The names will change and the strategy, which is not speculative, will always be the same…

This is how the round of 16 begins

goal