Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Round of 16

Jun 27, 2016 at 5pm UK

Italy
2-0
Spain

Chiellini (33'), Pelle (91')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Gerard Pique: 'Spain must change style of play'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 28 June 2016

Spain centre-back Gerard Pique admits that his side are no longer the force they once were and calls for a change in playing style following their exit from Euro 2016.

Spain centre-back Gerard Pique has admitted that the team's golden age looks to be over following their exit from Euro 2016.

Spain reached unprecedented levels of international dominance by winning three major tournaments in a row, but they have since suffered a group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup and crashed out in the last 16 of this summer's tournament.

In the wake of his side's 2-0 defeat to Italy, Pique admitted that his side are no longer the world's best and suggested that they may need to change their playing style.

"I think we have to undertake a big reflection, in terms of style and level. We don't have the level that we had a couple of years ago," the 29-year-old told reporters.

"We are a team that can win matches because of our name and our past, but we are not the best team. We are not in a position to win tournaments right now.

"It's not only about the level of the players. Despite trying to play the same way as we have done in recent years, we weren't as effective. This exit could help us to go into future competitions knowing that we are no longer favourites to win."

Manager Vicente del Bosque, who steered Spain to World Cup glory in 2010 and Euros success two years later, is expected to step down from his role following their elimination.