Aragonés Tips Italy And Bemoans Fatigue

The veteran coach was asked who he could see winning the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland if the Spanish were out and he plumped for the Azzurri and Luiz Felipe Scolari's Iberian neighbours.

"For me, Italy is the favourite, then Portugal, but there are others that nobody has mentioned like Romania. But that is just my opinion. In reality there are 12 or 14 teams that could win it," Aragonés said.

Looking ahead to the group stage, the trainer explained that he expects a tough time and recognised that all three teams that Spain will play have a chance of doing well.

"Sweden will be difficult, as will Russia and Greece. We always say that it is easy after seeing the draw, but now we are close it never easy. The Swedes, for example, have more chance of beating maybe because they have traditionally gone further in major competitions," he explained.

Aragonés then bemoaned the timing of the championships and hopes that the rest and recuperation time that he has allowed his squad will help them perform afte such a long season.

"We are not in the best moment, but most teams will not be. These competitions do not come at the best time for the players physically speaking after the league, cup and Champions League," he continued.

"The work we have done to help them rest should be good, but we know it is the same for everyone."

Spain are due to play Peru at the weekend and then take on the United States before travelling to their base for the tournament and Aragonés thinks he has found the right balance.

"It is difficult to be ready if we overdo things. Other teams prefer to have three games, but I have made my mind up on two because of how the European Championships are and the fact the player need mental rest over physical," he added.


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