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We don’t have the same level as before: Pique on Spain’s Euro 2016 exit
Spain can no longer match the standards that won them back-to-back European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012, Gerard Pique admitted after his side crashed out of Euro 2016 to Italy.
Spain can no longer match the standards that won them back-to-back European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012, Gerard Pique admitted after his side crashed out of Euro 2016 to Italy.
In a rematch of the Euro 2012 final, which Spain won comprehensively, a rugged Italian counter-attacking side stifled the Spanish tiki-taka machine into submission.
A 2-0 defeat meant that Spain, who also claimed their maiden World Cup in 2010, have now been embarrassed in two consecutive major tournaments. They were dumped out of the 2014 World Cup as holders after just two group matches.
Read | Euro 2016: Chiellini, Pelle on target as holders Spain knocked out by Italy
“We have to be realistic, we don’t have the same level as when we were world and European champions,” said Barcelona defender Pique.
“There are youngsters coming through that promise a lot. There are others who have years of experience and we have to continue offering that experience and talent.
“The level isn’t the same. We have to accept it and be critical to get to the World Cup in Russia in good conditions and at a better level.”
However, Pique defended the right of coach Vicente del Bosque to take time to decide his future despite the latest failure.
Del Bosque has been in charge since 2008 and led the team to their historic tournament wins in 2010 and 2012. But the 65-year-old has already had to resist calls to resign, after the World Cup two years ago.
“He has won the right to decide. He is a very important person for football in this country,” added Pique.
Del Bosque insisted he will speak with the Spanish Football Federation’s president Angel Maria Villar before making his decision.
Yet, the former Real Madrid boss refuted suggestions it was the end of an era for Spanish football.
“It has been and is a great era for Spanish football,” said Del Bosque.
Jaded
However, a great era at club level too may have taken its toll on the national team.
Just as two years ago, before disappointing in Brazil, Spain had its top sides, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid compete the Champions League final just days before the tournament kicked off.
While their style of play necessitated graft, Italy still ran a combined eight kilometres more than a jaded Spain in an energetic display.
“I’m not sure it was tiredness because we tried until the end, but that left them more space on the counter-attack,” added Del Bosque.
“This has always been a technical team rather than a physical team. We came into the competition in good shape, but it is impossible to measure it and demonstrate (tiredness).”
For once the Madrid-based Marca and Barcelona-based AS Sport agreed on a footballing headline, claiming Italy had brought “the end of a glorious era for Spain and Del Bosque.”
And Pique admitted Spain could have no complaints.
“In the end the best team won. To win, Spain have to play much better than the opponents and today it wasn’t like that.”
The two sides will meet again as early as October in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Italy boss Antonio Conte claimed Spanish football was in “rude health”, but believes the Azzuri will be full of confidence they can claim the only automatic qualifying spot.
“When the draw was made everyone was saying we would have to qualify via the playoff,” said Conte, who will take over at Chelsea at the end of the tournament.
“This is a very important win. These are victories which help to breed self confidence and self-esteem.”