Navas, Busquets back Del Bosque

Jesus Navas has endorsed Vicente del Bosque’s decision to play no recognised striker for Spain’s Euro 2012 opener against Italy.

Despite having Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo at his disposal, head coach Del Bosque opted for midfielder Cesc Fabregas in a leading role.

Speaking ahead of Spain’s match against Republic of Ireland, Navas backed his manager’s decision.

“There are a lot of opinions about the game,” the Sevilla forward said.

“We think, all of us, that the decision (to play without a traditional striker) was a good one because the manager always wants to win the games and until now things have gone the right way.

“It is our style and I think we have so many alternatives to play the games.”

Spain ended up drawing the match 1-1, meaning they are now under pressure to win their next Group C game with Ireland.

But the speaking ahead of Thursday’s encounter with Giovanni Trapattoni’s side in Gdansk, Navas said he is confident of securing all three points.

“They (Ireland) have different players,” he said.

“Maybe they will play in a defensive style like Italy but it is going to be tough for sure.”

“We should get the three points and we have to lead the game from the beginning.”

Midfielder Sergio Busquets brushed off any suggestion the Spanish players, defending champions in Ukraine and Poland, are struggling under the weight of expectation.

“Pressure for being champions again? It is our wish and that’s why we are here,” the Barcelona man said.

“It is not going to be easy. There are good teams who are playing well and they will make things hard for us. The pressure is normal.

“When you win, people get used to winning and they want it again, but we should be more calm, all of our players are used to winning trophies. It’s no problem.”