Spain midfielder David Albelda has appealed for unity ahead of the friendly against Argentina, saying the national team needs to support if it is to succeed.
Successive losses to Northern Ireland and Sweden in Euro 2008 qualifiers have led to calls for the head of coach Luis Aragones.
“Here there is always some sort of argument going on whether it be over the inclusion of Raul, whether (Fernando) Torres should play… or some other story like that,” Albelda told a news conference on Tuesday.
“The team needs to work in a calmer environment because even the most resilient person is likely to be affected by what has happened.
“I have the feeling that we don’t have the sort of unified support (for the national team) that there is in say Argentina or Italy,” he said.
Albelda did acknowledge that the criticism of Aragones and his players had helped bring the side together.
“It’s a funny thing, but the worse things are in football the more unity there is within the team… a win against Argentina might help calm the situation down a bit,” the Valencia midfielder added.
“I suppose one day we will all wear the same Spain shirt – the players, the media and the fans – and that in the end everyone will become infected by enthusiasm (for the national side).”
