Lopetegui expects a tough group for Spain

CAIRO – 30 November 2017: Ahead of the World Cup 2018 draw in Moscow on Friday, Spain’s national team manager, Julen Lopetegui, expects that his team will face a tough group.

“Whatever comes out will be difficult, without a doubt. We have many chances to be in a tough group” Lopetegui told Marca on Friday.

Spain will be in the second ranking in the draw and consequently they will be drawn with one of the first ranking teams, such as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and the host nation, Russia.

Lopetegui revealed when the team will start their preparations for the event. He stated, “We hope that the Spanish teams will get as far as possible in Europe, in order to give them hope, energy and optimism. Then we will specify the dates and we'll accommodate all that energy for the World Cup.”

Lopetegui is for the first time coaching Spain’s top team in a major tournament. He said, “I have the experience of the U21's in such competitions, and what it demands. We will try to analyze everything and respond to what is asked of us. It is a key to arrive prepared, but fresh at all levels, including physically and mentally."

Spain won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. They hope to be crowned World Cup Champions for the second time in Russia 2018.