Isco happy with new Spain boss Luis Enrique introducing mobile phone ban

Posted Friday, September 07, 2018 by ESPN

Spain midfielder Isco has welcomed coach Luis Enrique's ban on mobile phones during team meals.

La Roja are preparing for Saturday's UEFA Nations League encounter against England at Wembley, which will be Luis Enrique's first game in charge since taking over as Julen Lopetegui's full-time replacement.

And the ex-Barcelona boss has brought a list of new rules with him.

"It's always important to have a little discipline," Isco said in Thursday's news conference. "I think the decision to stop using mobiles during meals is good because at times you are more focused on machines than speaking to a teammate."

Luis Enrique recently said he has a lot of hope placed on Isco, whom he considers one of the most crucial players in La Roja and Spanish football.

"I don't feel like the star," the Real Madrid player said. "I feel important. I'm comfortable with the great players we have.

"We have a new coach and we start a new chapter with enthusiasm. We are all very happy and eager to start with these games so that we know what level we are at.

"I always try to give the best of me for the good of the team. If we are all well collectively, everything will be much easier."

Isco, meanwhile, says Real Madrid are not missing Cristiano Ronaldo just yet. Los Blancos, under new coach Lopetegui, have won their opening three league games, including 4-1 wins at Girona and at home to Leganes.

Ronaldo joined Juventus from Real Madrid this summer in a €100 million transfer and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi said Los Blancos are "less good" without the Portuguese star.

"Cristiano is an extraordinary player, but we all know what football is like," Isco said. "If we win, we won't miss him and so far we don't because there are players that are doing very well."