Czechia boss Santi Denia is set for a reunion with Spain on Saturday night in the Nations League and also faces the prospect of coming up against Lamine Yamal.
Sani Denia worked with the Spanish youth teams for many years before taking up his post as Czechia boss and admits he’s been having sleepless nights as he prepares to face the world champions.
“It’s strange, it’s the first time I’ve faced Spain. I’m not sleeping much because they’re so good,” he told Cadena SER.
“The team has all the qualities,
they have solutions for everything. We’re going to try to play our game and try to win, but they’re world champions for a reason. They play as a team, they’ve been together for many years and they know each other well.”
The Czechia boss was also asked about Yamal and if he thinks the Barcelona teenager is the best player on the planet.
“I think he’s the Ballon d’Or winner, without a doubt,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter that he’s 19; he’s a game-changer, a World Cup winner. People go to the stadium to see Lamine. People pay for tickets to see him.”
Spain head into the match after wins over England and Croatia during the international break, while Czechia have suffered defeats to the same opponents.
