Le Normand: "I've missed the National Team a lot"

Robin Le Normand is once again enjoying his call-up to the Spanish national team. In October, he suffered a head injury that prevented him from featuring in the last two international breaks of the previous year. Now, six months later, he returns to Luis de la Fuente’s squad with the goal of securing a place in the UEFA Nations League Final Four and moving one step closer to lifting his third trophy with Spain.

"I’ve missed the national team a lot. On top of that, when you’re sidelined with an injury, you feel powerless, but thankfully, that’s behind me now. I’m lucky to be feeling good again and to be able to enjoy this experience with my teammates and the coaching staff," the centre-back said.

A key part of the Family

For Robin and everyone in the squad, defining what makes this group of players special is simple: "It’s a family with a great atmosphere. There are people I haven't seen for months who are really important to me, people I’ve shared incredible moments with, like winning the Euros, so I’m happy to see them again." He added: "I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team full of quality players who welcomed me back in an incredible way."

An impeccable and enviable record

Le Normand is a key figure in the heart of Spain’s defence. He has played 20 matches for the national team without suffering a single defeat and has already won both the UEFA Nations League and last summer’s European Championships in Germany. A flawless and enviable record with La Roja.

Target: The Final Four

After playing the full 90 minutes in Rotterdam, Le Normand knows that securing a place in June’s Final Four won’t be easy. "It’s the quarter-finals, and we’re two top teams. It was always going to be a closely contested tie between two sides that want the ball, that want to play, that take the game to their opponents. These matches are never easy." He was on the end of a robust challenge in the second half that left visible marks on his lower leg and prevented him from training with the rest of the squad yesterday. "Luckily, I’m not too bad. I was fortunate—it was just a heavy knock. I hope to be available for Sunday."

One of the key factors in tomorrow’s decisive match will be the support from the fans in the stands, something Le Normand values highly. "They give us a boost, that extra push, because you can feel their support when you play—you have family there, and a whole stadium backing you at every moment, and that gives you so much."