‘I can’t be liked by everyone’: Alvaro Morata hits back at criticism after he missed big chances in Spain’s uninspiring stalemate with Sweden as he says the result ‘cost him sleep’ and vows to put things right against Poland
Alvaro Morata has hit back at the criticism that came his way after he missed key chances in Spain’s goalless Euro 2020 opener with Sweden.
Luis Enrique’s side dominated possession in last Monday’s match in Seville, registering 917 passes to Sweden’s 162, but were guilty of squandering a string of gilt-edged chances.
Atletico Madrid striker Morata was the target of much of the blame in the game’s post-mortem after he side-footed wide from a great position through on goal in the first-half.
Spain striker Alvaro Morata reacts after missing a good chance during their draw with Sweden
Morata was clean through on goal during the first-half but curled his shot wide of the post
The former Chelsea forward, 28, admitted the draw against Sweden ‘cost him’ sleep and has vowed to ‘put things right’ against Poland on Saturday.
‘I’ve taken this situation very normally,’ Morata said. ‘I’ve been working since the Under-17s to be here and play these tournaments.
‘I can’t be liked by everyone. When there are criticisms you have to respect them but listen little and work.
‘In a match things happen so fast that you don’t have time to think.
‘The goalkeeper [Robin Olsen] did very well [to close the space] and I had to adjust to the post.
Morata and Spain found their path to goal blocked by a hard-working Swedish side on Monday
The Atletico Madrid striker has vowed to ‘put things right’ ahead of playing Poland on Saturday
Morata copped much of the blame for Spain’s lack of goals after the 0-0 draw with Sweden
‘I don’t know if tomorrow the ball will enter the goal, but I will give 200 per cent every time I play for Spain. It is normal that when you draw a game and you deserve to win it, it costs you sleep.
‘The opinion of the people does not change my mood. If I score I will be happy for the people who are always with me, but I am doing great.
‘The most important thing I have done is lead a normal life, be with my team-mates. Everything we do here is important.
Sweden’s win over Slovakia on Friday has increased the pressure on both Spain and Poland
Morata (left) was in good spirits with Jordi Alba (middle) and David de Gea in training this week
‘It is clear that the forward lives for goals. Our job is to score goals. Against Sweden I unloaded a lot physically and I think I did quite a few things well, but it seems like it all comes down to scoring. It’s part of our job.’
Sweden’s 1-0 win over Slovakia on Friday has placed added pressure on Saturday night’s game for both Spain and Poland. The Poles lost 2-1 to Slovakia in their opening match.
Spain coach Luis Enrique rallied round Morata, saying ‘he is in good spirits.’
He added: ‘This week I didn’t have the need to teach him anything. He played a very complete game. He trained very well and I am [impressed] with his smile and attitude.’
