Spain must forget about Raul's omission, says Torres
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-03 21:58
MADRID, Oct 3 - Spain striker Fernando Torres told his team mates on Tuesday
to forget about captain Raul's omission from the squad for the Euro 2008
qualifier in Sweden on Saturday.
Coach Luis Aragones left out Raul last Friday, the first time the Real Madrid
forward had been dropped in 10 years for reasons other than injury.
"It was the coach's decision not to bring Raul," Torres told reporters. "We
were surprised but those that are here must get on with the job in hand.
"After the game we will know if we have missed him. We know he's been a
fixture for many years but the coach has made his decision and there is no point
us worrying about it."
Spain are joint second in Group F with three points from two games, three
adrift of leaders Sweden.
Last month's surprise 3-2 defeat by Northern Ireland in Belfast led to the
under-fire Aragones tendering his resignation.
But he decided to continue after the Spanish federation rejected his offer to
quit.
Aragones's squad has only two pure strikers in Atletico Madrid's Torres and
in-form Valencia frontman David Villa.
"There isn't just pressure on myself and Villa to perform but all the players
in the squad," said Torres.
"Losing to Northern Ireland wasn't in our plans and we know it will be a
tough game in Sweden as they are direct rivals for qualification.
"This squad is a special one after what has happened with the coach and Raul.
The players and the management have shown they have faith in Aragones, now we
have to demonstrate what we can do on the pitch."
Another setback in Solna on Saturday could lead to fresh calls for Aragones
to go.
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