Spain enters the Austria clash with a clear priority, and Marcos Llorente made it evident that any speculation about later rounds would be a mistake. The Atlético midfielder highlighted that the squad is improving, yet still needs to iron out errors before the next test.

What did Llorente say about the team's focus?

Llorente stated that "you have to go step by step" and that imagining the knockout bracket only distracts. "I'm focused on Austria, that's what matters," he told the press conference on July 5, 2026. He added that the national side has risen in quality, but acknowledges lingering mistakes that must be fixed before the upcoming challenge.

How does he assess the group opponents?

The player noted that teams like France and Portugal are "very tough if you don't have a good day." He avoided picking a favorite, stressing that preparation and mindset are essential to beat any foe. "I don't think about being favorites, I just train, play and want to win," he said.

What is his relationship with Lamine Yamal?

Llorente described his growing understanding with the young winger as "gradual." He clarified that Atlético's style differs from the national team's, so they can't always replicate club tactics. "Lamine doesn't need much help; sometimes it's better to give him the ball and let him go one‑on‑one," he explained, adding that they study video to fine‑tune their coordination.

What is the rotation and rest plan?

With 26 players at the World Cup, Llorente reminded that the tournament is long and requires strategic rests. He mentioned being a starter against Cape Verde and Uruguay, and a substitute versus Saudi Arabia. "We're at the service of the coach and the country, and I'll do whatever is needed at the moment," he concluded, showing his full commitment.