Albania vs Spain - Julen Lopetegui happy to have Diego Costa in his squad

Posted Sunday, October 09, 2016 by PA

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui is willing to accept Diego Costa's foibles as he attempts to get the best from the controversial striker.

Costa is known for his all-action presence, as much as his goalscoring exploits, on the pitch but when the goals dried up for club and country last season he found himself left out of Vicente del Bosque's Euro 2016 squad.

Spain's poor tournament, and Del Bosque handing over the reins to Lopetegui, have heralded the start of a new era for the Spain team and Costa appears to have a place in the new manager's plans.

Lopetegui knows that might bring some contentious moments but believes that is something he, and Spain's fans, must embrace as they aim to qualify for the 2018 World Cup from a group that also includes Italy.

"Players keep developing right until they retire," Lopetegui told El Larguero.

"You can change in a positive way if you make the right decisions. Diego has a certain character. He is a fighter. But sometimes his reactions hurt his reputation.

"He will be able to iron out these things as he develops. He is aware of it and so are we. These things can cost him. It could be hurtful to him.

"But we must love Diego the way he is and try to understand him. Any small advantage can make the difference in a tight game."

Costa scored his first international goals for two years in Spain's 8-0 hammering of Liechtenstein to open their World Cup qualification programme and has been in form for Chelsea so far this season.

His popularity within the Spain squad was evident on Friday, when the Spanish football association posted footage of the striker being presented with a cake in front of the squad to mark his 28th birthday.

Costa was unable to get on the scoresheet the night before when Spain were denied victory in Turin on Thursday night by a late Daniele De Rossi penalty.

The draw left the two heavy-hitters in Group G behind Albania, who host Lopetegui's men in Shkoder on Sunday evening.

Albania are on a high after qualifying for Euro 2016 and have begun their World Cup qualification campaign with wins over Macedonia and Liechtenstein.

Spain have called-up Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal for the match after Jordi Alba suffered a thigh strain against Italy.