Luis Enrique confirms Pique was in Spain's pre-list!

Pique's unexpected decision to retire also surprised Luis Enrique. In fact, he openly admitted that he thought about him for the World Cup. 

"Pique was in the provisional squad because he was still playing when I released it. He's a professional and one of the best centre-backs," the coach said in a press conference.

"I remember seeing him last season at Barca playing when he was injured, sacrificing himself for his club and performing at a very high level. He's a competitive machine, or he was... I thought about him not as first choice because the aim was to have continuity, reinforce now all the players who have taken us to the World Cup in two years," he defended.

And he ended up distancing himself from what happened at Barcelona with a decision which surprised everyone by quitting football in the middle of the season when he felt that he did not have the role he was looking for. 

"In the 55 man squad list there are more experienced players who I would not have any doubt over. Then, his reality has changed because he is going through a different situation at his club, a totally unusual one and I can't control that. I focus on the best for the national team," he added.

Luis Enrique is clear that Spain "will make life difficult" for their opponents and said that he feels like he is the "best international coach in world football" even though "it's not true" because he can only do his best for Spain with that attitude.