After Merino scored in the third match of the UEFA Nations League group stage, helping Spain to a 3-1 home victory against the Czech Republic, he gave interviews to numerous media outlets in the mixed zone.

Whether you're in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, no matter how much playing time you get, you always seem to score for the team. You're practically married to goals!

Sometimes you need a bit of luck, but more importantly, you have to actively attack the ball and look for opportunities. For example, it's not easy at all to sprint towards the ball right after coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute. But I'm very happy to be able to help the team in any position and in any circumstances within the limited time the coach gives me.

Merino never disappoints. I just asked some of the others, but as soon as you came on, you got a rebound and scored for Spain...

Actually, I do miss sometimes, I have to clarify that first! But whether on or off the pitch, I try my best not to let the team down. On the field, as I just said, I try to help the team with goals or assists, as I've been doing recently; off the pitch or in training, I contribute by training hard and cheering on my teammates from the bench. Most importantly, as you said, never let anyone down.

Mikel, during the attack that led to your goal, a lot happened. First there was a very aggressive foul on Brahim, then the ball rebounded, and everyone was calling for a foul. How did you experience that moment? Did you think the goal might be disallowed?

Honestly, I didn't think much in that moment. I just sprinted forward with all my strength because I knew Victor was very quick. I tried to get into the box as fast as possible, confident that after the rebound—not a direct pass—the ball would probably fall at my feet, and it did. Then there was a slight worry; you always fear that a goal might be disallowed. But I didn't see the foul or exactly what happened. In short, it was incredibly chaotic at that moment.

Mikel, it's quite surprising that you haven't started any of these three matches. Do you feel the same way? But the "Merino way" seems to be to always smile, show a good attitude, and then come on and score goals?

Yes, I always try to show the right attitude. Of course, it's hard sitting on the bench for several consecutive matches, because every player has a competitive spirit and wants to start, knowing you can contribute, especially when you come on as a substitute and play well. But you have no choice but to fully support the team, because the team is what matters most. That's the example everyone in our dressing room sets.

As for this goal, you didn't do your usual spinning celebration. Won't your family have something to say when you get home?

I don't think so, right? I've already done enough spinning (laughs). My father won't be upset about it; I think the matter is settled.

Did you see the Czech Republic's disallowed goal?

I'll tell you, on the pitch it's hard to see many details. Whether it was my goal or their goal, I wasn't quite clear on what exactly happened. But I know the referee blew the whistle before the ball went in the net, so it definitely wasn't a goal. I'll watch the replay later.

What happened with Spain in the second half? Why was there such a... I mean, such a drop-off and loss of control?

I'm not entirely sure; sometimes football is like that. We'll review and analyze it, watch the replay, learn from our mistakes, and correct them. We always want to be 100% perfect, always play well, but it's clear that football is an extremely complex sport. When you're world champions, every opponent fights with all their might, determined to beat you. You can't win every game 5-0 and completely dominate your opponents. You have to learn to fight, overcome difficulties, and most importantly, the team got back up and scored three goals.

In any case, the team is now unbeaten for 41 matches. On a night that wasn't particularly brilliant and seemed like just another ordinary day at the office, you extended your unbeaten run to 41 games...

Yes, I think everyone needs to really appreciate this achievement. Although people talk about its significance because it's clearly a historic performance, sometimes it seems like people think it's easy—that winning games is as easy as cracking sunflower seeds. But that's absolutely not the case. Every game is a hard fight, and winning every game is extremely difficult. That's why we have to appreciate what we're doing and understand that every game could end our unbeaten run, even though we don't want to lose and we deserve to win many times. Sometimes things are beyond our control. So let's appreciate the present, keep working hard, and continue this unbeaten streak.

Übersetzt von KI.

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