La Roja's coach says he would prefer to keep any criticism of his team behind closed doors but insists there have been plenty of positives in their post-World Cup recovery
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says he will not be drawn into an argument with critics of his side after their mixed performances against France and Macedonia.
La Roja lost 1-0 to France in a friendly fixture last week before comprehensively defeating Macedonia 5-1 in their first Euro 2016 qualifier - their first fixtures since the disastrous World Cup campaign in Brazil.
Spain failed to meet expectations as the tournament's defending champions and are now attempting to re-build after the retirement of key midfield stars Xabi Alonso and Xavi.
"I'm not going to fight against them, those people that doubt Spain's quality," Del Bosque told Radio Marca.
"With all due respect, I'm not going to get into a fight with anyone. I criticise myself, but I don't like talking to all and sundry about the group's shortcomings.
"I prefer to concentrate on what's good; the bad things I keep to talk about in the dressing room.
"In France we were good in defence and dull in attack. Against Macedonia the attack was on good form but Iker had to make three important saves."
The former Real Madrid boss also talked about defender Gerard Pique, who was not included in the squad for the September internationals.
"He is just as committed - if not more - than the others," said Del Bosque. "If he is fit, he will be called up for the next match."
Spain will face away ties against Slovakia and Luxembourg away in their next two Euro 2016 qualification fixtures in October.
Spain failed to meet expectations as the tournament's defending champions and are now attempting to re-build after the retirement of key midfield stars Xabi Alonso and Xavi.
"I'm not going to fight against them, those people that doubt Spain's quality," Del Bosque told Radio Marca.
"With all due respect, I'm not going to get into a fight with anyone. I criticise myself, but I don't like talking to all and sundry about the group's shortcomings.
"I prefer to concentrate on what's good; the bad things I keep to talk about in the dressing room.
"In France we were good in defence and dull in attack. Against Macedonia the attack was on good form but Iker had to make three important saves."
The former Real Madrid boss also talked about defender Gerard Pique, who was not included in the squad for the September internationals.
"He is just as committed - if not more - than the others," said Del Bosque. "If he is fit, he will be called up for the next match."
Spain will face away ties against Slovakia and Luxembourg away in their next two Euro 2016 qualification fixtures in October.
Source: Goal.com
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