Under-Fire Chelsea Players Defended By Teammate Over Spain Withdrawals

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The Chelsea defender has denied the rumours that his manager pressures players to withdraw from their international sides.

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has defended his Spanish teammates from rising implications that they have been persuaded to miss international duty by manager José Mourinho.

The Spaniard has stood up for Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, who both withdrew from the national squad for the past international week, allegedly after being pressured into doing so by their club manager. Azpilicueta refuted these claims.

“No [Mourinho didn’t pressure me]. He knows that I’m always thrilled to come play for Spain,” Azpilicueta is quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

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“When the squad is announced I’m overjoyed and when I’m with Chelsea I give my all.”

Critics of Mourinho might argue that the difference between Azpilicueta and his teammates is that the Blues have a ready-made (and under-used) backup for the full-back in Filipe Luis, while Costa and Fabregas are far harder for the Portuguese coach to replace in the side.

Spain played well against Germany, and looked the most likely to score, with Alvaro Morata and Isco both going close.

In the end however, they succumbed to a late loss against Germany, with Toni Kroos scoring a goal from outside the box.

It was the first game since 2008 that Spain have had less possession than their opponents.

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