Julen Lopetegui, Spain's coach, stated that his team must accept the role of favorite that experts have given them in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
"This, for example, is something that I cannot control. We simply have to accept it without going crazy," he said, and then warned: "Of course, a World Cup leads many experts and journalists to make their predictions. But they will not help us win the tournament."
Spain, the 2010 world champion, is undefeated in the 20 games played under Lopetegui's command, achieving 14 victories. Lately, they were only able to win 1-0 against the modest Tunisia, which raised some doubts.
The former goalkeeper, however, believes that friendly matches like the 1-1 draw against Germany or the 6-1 victory over Argentina "should not be given too much consideration."
"Forget the past. Few correct conclusions for the present are obtained from it in football. I try not to boast about preparation matches," he pointed out.
Lopetegui sees Group B as one of the toughest in the group stage.
"Portugal is the current European champion," warned the coach about the team they will debut against on Friday. "Iran was by far the best team in Asia. And Morocco has many talents, as well as a coach like Hervé º who is an absolute specialist in leading African teams. These three teams will demand a lot from us."