Isco has followed up his recent strong form at Real Madrid with an outstanding performance in Spain's win on Saturday over Belarus.
“A player has to get used to both the praise and the criticism, but obviously it’s much nicer to be receiving praise. I’m really happy with the affection from the fans and from my teammates.”
Regarding comments from Vicente del Bosque after the game, suggesting that despite a good performance, the team and Isco had perhaps been a little “too artistic” with their play, instead of being more direct and killing the encounter with Belarus, the player took the words of the Spain manager as constructive criticism.
“It could be what he said was directed towards me, but I like to enjoy myself out there on the pitch and that’s part of my game. At worst I might have wanted to do things a little too well.”
Isco talked about how he needs to improve due to the high level of competition from his Real Madrid teammates.
“At Real Madrid I work hard to improve every day, because it’s very difficult to guarantee your place in the team there, as there so many good players, but my aim both at Real Madrid and with Spain is to help the team win and enjoy every minute as if it were my last. I’m still young, I’m only 22 and I hope there’s lots of football to come for me, both with Real Madrid and Spain.”
As for the current success he’s enjoying, Isco is trying to keep it in perspective.
“I’m trying not to think about it. I know that in football you can be up there one minute and down the next. I’m calm about it all and happy, because right now I’m getting to enjoy playing. I’m sure though that there will be some difficult moments and what I’m clear about, is that in times of both joy and pain, I have to keep working hard and improving, as that’s what matters most.”