De Gea Prepared Very Well For The World Cup – Emilio Alvarez

Manchester United goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez has said David De Gea’s World Cup blunder against Portugal had no effect on him.

Spain and United keeper De Gea let Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot through his hands in the 3-3 draw and has conceded five goals from six shots, but coach Fernando Hierro has confirmed that he will start in the round-of-16 clash with hosts Russia despite some calling for Kepa Arrizabalaga to play.

Alvarez, who oversaw the keeper’s breakthrough at Atletico Madrid, told Cadena Ser radio that he was “calm.”

“I’m in contact with David, but as coach and friend without interfering in the work of Spain’s coaching staff,” he said. The mistake against Portugal had no effect on him.

“I’ve worked with him for many years on a daily basis and we know how capable David is. A goalkeeper has to live with a mistake and to overcome the mistake is nowadays imperative.

“Goalkeeping coaches work on this from a mental standpoint from the age of 11, so that mistake has not affected David in any way. He is calm. He is training well. He is focused. He is very enthusiastic.

“He had prepared very well for the World Cup. He’s had his best season since he’s been at Manchester United. You can look at the archives and you won’t find a mistake made by him like that. But I see him very ready, I see him calm.”