Martín Zubimendi says qualification has to come first before he allows himself to think about playing for Spain at the next World Cup.
Martín Zubimendi has made it clear he is not entertaining any thoughts about playing at the World Cup, insisting Spain still have work to do before they can think about the actual tournament.
Speaking alongside national coach Luis de la Fuente, the midfielder told La Voz de Galicia: “I haven’t visualised myself playing a World Cup, just qualifying. We haven’t qualified yet.
“This competition has already shown us that, despite doing everything perfect, we still depend on other results.”
He then stressed the strength of Spain’s squad, saying the group “helps football to come out and flow much better. It makes us stronger.”
He also highlighted his Arsenal teammate, Mikel Merino, calling his numbers “incredible”. After his brace in Spain’s game against Bulgaria, Merino now has eight goals and an assist in his last eight games for his country
Looking ahead to Spain’s Georgian opponents, Zubimendi warned that their speed in transition had already caused problems in the reverse fixture. “They try to play fast after a loss and that put us in difficulties in the previous game. In some situations we did not control it well and it could have taken its toll on us. We have to stay focused.”
Spain arrive in Tbilisi with automatic qualification all but sealed but without key figures such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Nico Williams. De la Fuente tried to play down the noise surrounding the fixture after a number of withdrawal, saying: “There are always injuries in football, there are many months left ahead, many demanding matches and we pray that there are no more injuries, although unfortunately there will be.”
Against a Georgian side coached by Willy Sagnol, who described Spain as “the best team in the world,” their aim is to avoid qualification going to the final day. With four wins out of four, Spain are three points clear of Turkey at the top of their group with a goal difference that is +12 better than their nearest rivals.
But Zubimendi’s focus remains unchanged. “At the moment I don’t see myself in the World Cup, it seems crazy but we still have to qualify.”
Spain have not lost a game in normal time in 29 matches.