Meléndez leads Spain in Santisteban tradition

Juan Santisteban retired as Spain Under-17 coach last year after winning the European title for the second year in a row – his sixth such success in two decades in charge. Tasked with following in his footsteps is his long-time assistant Ginés Meléndez, and having led Spain to the finals – which begin next Wednesday in Germany – he spoke to uefa.com about their task, with games against Italy, Switzerland and France awaiting in Group A.

uefa.com: How will Spain fare this time?

Ginés Meléndez: We know that it's going to be difficult to repeat the triumphs of the last two editions because I think that since 2001 there has never been a stronger or more powerful UEFA championship at this level. The most powerful national teams have qualified for the final phase.

uefa.com: What are your feelings about the draw?

Meléndez: Both groups are very strong and evenly balanced but our main objective is to qualify for the [FIFA U-17] World Cup in Nigeria and to continue developing players with a view to senior team selection in the future.

uefa.com: What can you tell us about Spain's group opponents?

Meléndez: All three are equally dangerous. Last year we came up against France and Switzerland. We beat the latter 2-0 and against France we played two games. Early in the first game I think that France were the superior side but in the second game we were the better team. What's clear is that it's going to be a EURO of a very high standard because eight great teams have got through.

uefa.com: What are the differences between the team that won the tournament last year and this one?

Meléndez: The teams are completely different and shouldn't be compared. The team from last year became European champions quite easily but every generation is different. This year there is a group that also has quality players but each game will be played as if it were a final.

uefa.com: Will defending the title put the players under more pressure?
 
Meléndez: I've done my best so that it won't seem like that. Having said that we know that winning two championships in a row is an achievement nobody had managed until last year and that's an advantage for Spain; it can also be seen as a little obstacle. Whatever the case, it's something to be proud of for the Spanish national team and in the next tournament we'll be going out there to do the best we possibly can.

uefa.com: Last year Spain showcased players like Thiago Alcántara, Keko and Manu Gavilán. Who will stand out in this tournament?

Meléndez: We have good central defenders, a good central midfielder in Jorge 'Koke' Resurrección and two fantastic attackers in Borja González – from Club Atlético de Madrid – and Pablo Sarabia. But the most important thing overall is the team and it's a team that plays well. Further on from results the key is to form good players who can make the jump to the U19s. This is the really important thing and because of the process you can see in today's senior squad so many players who have passed through our junior ranks. The objective is to produce good players not to become champions.
 
uefa.com: What do you think is Juan Santisteban's legacy to this team?

Meléndez: The truth is that everything is the same as it was in his time because we are continuing with the same approach. I was with him for eight years and we created an excellent group with a lot of communication. Now I have a new colleague, namely Aitor Karanka, an ex Real Madrid [CF] player and also formerly of Athletic Club Bilbao. We're continuing to do the things that brought us so much success. For me, Santisteban is my teacher, I speak with him a lot and he remains very close to all of our work here. His legacy for the Royal Spanish Football Federation is enormous and his successes are almost unrepeatable.