Spain vs Chile: Vicente del Bosque reveals Spain are 'trying to make sure the players are not sad' after Netherlands humiliation
The Spain coach is confident his team can turn things around after their 5-1 defeat in the opening game
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has revealed that his players have come to terms with their humiliating defeat to Holland in their opening World Cup game and are ready to bounce back against Chile.
The 5-1 thumping the European and world champions received at the hands of the Dutch, who they defeated in the last World Cup final, was the shock of the tournament so far.
Del Bosque said after the game that the result was "unexplainable" while midfielder Xavi Hernandez said it was the worst defeat of his entire career.
However, Del Bosque has explained that time has been a healer for his side, who are now desperate to compensate for the defeat by beating Chile and then Australia in their remaining Group B matches.
"Everyone feels that we are capable of turning things around," the coach told Spanish television channel Cuatro.
"Many hours have passed and our spirits are higher. We now have to win our next two games, which won't be easy, but is within the realms of possibility. We are searching for the best possible preparation and we are trying to make sure the players are not sad, we have to enjoy ourselves."
Del Bosque also insisted he did not see the debacle against Holland coming, explaining that the team had prepared well for the tournament and made a positive start to the game.
"We've been training well ever since we arrived. Everything has been perfect, and the first half against Holland went well, what was worrying was the second half. But now the players are optimistic again."
The coach refused to apportion the blame on any of his players, saying that "everyone is in perfect condition", but said he could make up to three changes for the Chile game, "for the best interests of the team".
Captain Iker Casillas admitted to the press that he had performed badly against Holland but Del Bosque did not reveal whether or not the Real Madrid stopper would be removed from the starting line-up.
An injury to Manchester United's David de Gea means Del Bosque can only call upon Pepe Reina should he decide to drop Casillas.
"If we make changes we won't be pointing the finger at anyone," he added.
"No-one should be alarmed by any changes we make, all the players have our support. We are in this situation and we have to manage it. We are flexible but we are also going to keep doing several things in the same way."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments