Spain have already made history with their first Final in 44 years, but it’s not enough for Luis Aragones.
“I told my players that nobody remembers who came second. At most they might talk of those who got close to success, but nothing more,” said the Coach.
Tonight they face Germany in a bid to earn only Spain’s second international trophy after the European Championship triumph of 1964.
“We have to win and our opponents are tough because the name of the team is Germany,” continued the veteran.
Both sides are forced to readjust, as top scorer David Villa is injured and Michael Ballack will require a late fitness test on a calf problem.
“Ballack is a great player, no doubt, but at times it can be worse when a star opponent is missing. We are talking about the 23 best players in Germany against the 23 best in Spain, so if one or another is out that doesn’t change much.
“Germany are physically very strong, tall, muscular and good in the air. This is where we will struggle a bit. Maybe we should buy a ladder! Yet we know football is played ball to feet and that is how we’ll face this encounter.”
Aragones already announced he was leaving the Furia Roja bench before Euro 2008 began and has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce.
“When I arrived in this job I tried to pick players based on the squad and not the clubs they belonged to. I brought in the best, those in better shape and capable of staying within a group. You cannot win without a good atmosphere and our harmony helped us get here.
“You must know how to control a squad and I am happy to have one that has always believed in me. I went through tough times, but now I am here.”
However, the Coach did leave Spanish fans with a worrying thought going into tonight’s Final in Vienna.
“I am leaving because nothing was done to keep me here. Nobody asked me anything and so I decided to go. There is nothing to explain.”
