Still not blue

Cesar Aspilicueta hopes that Spain can do Chelsea by reversing their terrible campaign to become the king of Europe.

La Roja must win the last game of Group E against Slovakia tomorrow to ensure they reach the round of 16.

However, in the first two games between Sweden and Poland, they have been eliminated by many people, including a large number of their own fans.

This is the first time since 1996 that Spain has not won the first two matches of the European Cup.

This puts them in third place on their table and faces the embarrassment of exiting early.

But Stamford Bridge ace Aspi urged his country to cheer up from his club after helping them achieve Champions League glory last month.

He said: “At Chelsea this season, many people have the same idea. Many people think we are dead during the season.

“You learned from it, that’s the lesson, you must continue to fight until the final.

“We have a very clear goal, and we will not give up.”

Aspilicueta expressed his country’s much-needed rally slogan at their Madrid training camp yesterday.

When someone pointed out to him that the three-time champion Spain is no longer the favorite to advance to the next stage, let alone lifting the trophy, the defender said sharply: “Favourite? Portugal is not the favorite in 2016. They won. We have already Promoted and entered the late game after a difficult start. Now we have a chance to pass.

“If we win, we will enter the round of 16 and we will face challenges. Before you start, no one will win the euro. It is not about how you start, but about how you end.

“I experienced this in the Champions League this year. The team has the potential to meet this challenge

“Of course, we know that we have to improve. Slovakia’s game is like a knockout match.

“I believe that if we are all together, including the fans, we will survive.”

The Spanish stars were booed by their own followers after the opening deadlock with Sweden on Monday and the 1-1 draw with Poland on Saturday.

Aspilicueta admitted: “We are the first to say that we are willing to be closer to the fans. We have always thanked the fans for their support on the pitch.

“Because of Covid, we are farther away, but the connection between us and the fans is there, and we know that we must now give the fans something in return.”

When asked if he had any messages for fans, he said: “It doesn’t matter to post information here. We have to get them out on the court.

“What is not negotiable is strength and attitude. I hope that by the end of the game on Wednesday, we are all happy.”

The 28-year-old Aspilicueta has not yet played in this game. Spain coach Luis Enrique prefers to play Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente at the right-back position.

The Blues defender said: “I came here to support the team as much as I can.

“I do my best to prepare myself so that I can prepare for the game like everyone else.

“Our staff decides what the team is, and I have been supporting the team on the bench.

“Marcos played an incredible level. He can play a lot of positions and is in good shape. From my standpoint, I try to help him.

“24 players train for the game, but the manager chooses the team. We all have the desire to play. I can only train better.”