Spain

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui coy on Iker Casillas future

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 July 2016

New Spain boss Julen Lopetegui says that now is "not the time" to discuss individuals that may or may not be part of his squad moving forward.

New Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has claimed that now is "not the time" to discuss individuals that may or may not be part of his new revolution with the national team.

Lopetegui is believed to have turned down a role with English side Wolverhampton Wanderers before taking charge of the Spanish national team last week, replacing Vicente del Bosque in the process.

Speaking for the first time as new La Roja boss, the former Spain Under-21 manager was asked about the squad that played at Euro 2016 and refused to give any indications of his plans moving forward.

"It's not the time to talk about names individually. I understand everyone has the right to ask, but I have no answer now because I just got here and I have to make other decisions first, analyse things and when the time comes, decide if we count on Iker Casillas or one of his teammates," Lopetegui told Mundo Deportivo.

"We'll take the decision when the time comes, we're not going to anticipate anything or put any kind of wall or obstacle in front of ourselves.

"It's true I have a good knowledge of the young players because a lot of them were with me [in the Under-21s or below], a lot of them are settled in the seniors but that doesn't guarantee anything to anyone, the same as it doesn't guarantee anything to the players who have taken Spanish football to the highest point in its history."

The 49-year-old has managed Spain at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, in addition to gaining club experience with Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid B and Porto.