Hugo Sánchez hinted that Luis Enrique had planned for Spain to lose to Japan

By results, Spain went from more to less in Qatar 2022: from the crushing 7-0 defeat of Costa Rica, going through the 1-1 draw against Germany and closing with a surprise setback against Japan 2-1. Despite this, the cast led by Luis Enrique Martínez advanced to the round of 16 as the second best ranked group E.

After the commitment against the Japanese, various comments arose regarding the role of the ‘Red’. In that sense, Hugo Sánchez hinted that the defeat of the Spaniards is part of a strategy by the coach so as not to come across Brazil in an eventual key to the quarterfinals in the World Cup.

In the analysis of the ESPN chain, the host David Faitelson released the following question: “Can you assure me that Spain went out to look for this result, to try to avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals?” and it was the ‘Pentapichichi’ who was in charge of resolving that question with a forceful response in this regard.

“I assure you. She wasn’t there; I am not in Luis Enrique’s mind, but Luis Enrique will have thought about the formula to avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals. There is risk, yes, and that risk is at stake”indicated Sánchez, who defended the jerseys of Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

Immediately afterwards, the former coach of the Aztec squad between 2006 and 2008 recalled that in his time as coach of Pumas UNAM he calculated to lose against Chivas de Guadalajara so as not to face a strong rival in the Liguilla. So, Hugo sent substitutes to that commitment and was thrashed: “I wanted it”, he counted.

Based on that experience, Sánchez returned to the case of Spain in the closing of the groups in Qatar 2022: “I tell the truth, it is not that Spain is afraid of Brazil, but respect”held. “Luis Enrique will never say it, the coaches will never say ‘I let myself win’. It’s just ‘I prefer this’”sentenced.

When does Spain play in Qatar 2022?

Luis Enrique’s team returns to the ring on Tuesday, December 6 to face Morocco in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The match will begin at 10 in the morning (Peruvian time) from the Ciudad de la Educación stadium.