Salgado backs Del Bosque tactics

Former Spain defender Michel Salgado said criticism of coach Vicente del Bosque is unwarranted, following his unusual selection against Italy.



Cesc Fabregas scored on Sunday while deployed as a 'false nine', but Spain could only draw 1-1 with the Azzurri in the sides' Group C opener, with the defending champions unable to create many clear-cut chances until the introduction of striker Fernando Torres 17 minutes from time.



Torres or Fernando Llorente now look to be in line for a start against Ireland on Thursday, but Salgado said his former Real Madrid coach always intended to play a more orthodox striker against Giovanni Trapattoni's side.



"Torres or Llorente will play," Salgado told Goal.com.



"Not because of the criticism, however, but because Spain are up against a team with a different style.



"Del Bosque has a squad of players and is free to use tactical variants - that's what the group is there for.



"Criticism is unfair. Del Bosque won the World Cup (in 2010) and he has earned the freedom to decide which tactics he wants to use. Against Italy, he knew that they would defend with five men behind the ball and with players closing the gaps. That is why he chose five ball-players and started without a reference point in attack."



Salgado also claims the draw with Cesare Prandelli's men was a positive result for the defending champions.



"Italy are one of the top teams historically; they are one of the most decorated sides in the history of football," he said.



"We didn't see the best of Spain but it was a good start."



The former Madrid defender is also sure Torres will come good for his country.



"The only problem for Torres is that he didn't score. He came on and did well, and if he had scored we would all be raving about him," he said.



"He had a difficult season with Chelsea but scored some important goals towards the end and, if he is given the chance, he will score in this European Championship as well."