"Busquets is Spain's heart; I like the team very much"

Germany coach Hansi Flick, who will face Spain on Sunday in the second matchday of Group E of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, told 'EFE' on Saturday that he appreciates "very much Luis Enrique", his counterpart in 'La Roja', who has formed "a young and quality team".

"I admire Luis Enrique a lot, we always have a chat and have fun doing it. He has put together a very young and quality team. My favourite Spanish player, who is Thiago, is not here. And that clearly says how good this team is," Flick - who won the possible titles with Bayern Munich two years ago - told 'EFE' during the official FIFA press conference at the main press centre of the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Saturday.

"Spain have their style of play very clear, it's a team that I like a lot, and Busquets is the heart of this team," the Germany coach told 'EFE', who were stunned last Wednesday - in the other group match - by Japan, who defeated them by two goals to one.

Flick appeared alone, without any of his players. "We don't want to force any player to make such a long journey; we have a very difficult match and they have to be ready for this afternoon's training session, the last one before the game," said the coach of four-time champions Germany, who will face 'La Roja' at the Al Bayt stadium in the town of Al Khor.