Milla charged with reviving Spain

Spain have become accustomed to success in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and, after the disappointment of last year, Luis Milla is the man charged with bringing the trophy back to Iberia.

Mediterranean masters
Champions in four of the first six editions of the competition, Spain bowed out unexpectedly early in the Czech Republic a year ago, losing their first two games and failing to make the semi-finals. The signs are promising that the 2009 crop – who will face Turkey, Serbia and France in Group B in Ukraine – can enjoy a more successful finals, with five of the six qualifying games ending in victory. The team followed that up with success at the Mediterranean Games earlier this month, where a 2-1 semi-final win against France preceded a defeat of Italy by the same scoreline in the final.

uefa.com: How is the mood in the camp ahead of the finals?

Luis Milla: The guys are in good spirits and full of confidence. They're all working very hard in training and are eager to get started in the first game, especially as they are still on a high having come through a very tough qualifying phase that included the Czech Republic and [holders] Germany. We're working with 22 players and will bring that down to 18 for the finals.

uefa.com: Ignacio Camacho has had to pull out of the tournament through injury; how big a loss will he be?

Milla: We can't count on Camacho because of injury and we'll be missing Fran Mérida for the first game due to suspension. They are two extremely important players who played a key role in a highly competitive qualifier against Germany, a match we managed to win. But that's the way it goes, we must do without them. There are others who can come in and do well. The most important thing is the spirit that exists within the group.

uefa.com: What do players get out of a tournament like this?

Milla: This is the highest level at which they can play in their age group. For these guys to wear the shirt of the Spanish national team is something that gives them huge pride and immense motivation.

uefa.com: What can you tell us about your first opponents Turkey?

Milla: Their team is well organised, know exactly how they want to play and they do so at pace. It'll be a tricky opener. They beat Portugal 4-0 in their final qualifying game and have tremendous confidence. In fact, all of our group opponents are high in confidence.

uefa.com: What are your hopes for the finals?

Milla: When you arrive at this point of any competition you hope to go all the way but we have to be alert. We want to grow as the tournament goes on. The lads know that they have done well together thus far but it won't be easy because of the other great teams. Above all they want to show what they can do.

uefa.com: What benefits did you take from your recent victory at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara?

Milla: It was a really great experience for us especially as the group was made up of some of the players who will compete in Egypt [at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in September]. We formed a tight unit from the beginning and things worked out really well for us; we were very competitive.