Spain won’t miss Julen Lopetegui – they will self-manage like we did at World Cup 1998

When I played against Fernando Hierro, one description came to mind: he was an “emperor on the pitch”. Will he be the same off the pitch as a coach for Spain? That’s hard to say right now, but then it may not even matter. That’s because it’s also hard to say whether the departure of previous manager Julen Lopetegui will actually negatively affect the group.

Portugal were a tough opponent for their opening game - that’s for sure - and Spain’s display was not really great… but not really bad either. There was quality there. Similarly, I know from experience that such situations can give the players positive energy. It can cause them to rally together.

What’s also crucial - more important than anything else - is that this is such a mature group of players.

We had the exact same profile with the Netherlands when we got to the semi-finals in 1998, a very experienced and intelligent group. A lot of the key players were around 28 and most of the starting line-up was already certain, so - like Spain - we knew exactly what to do on the pitch. We didn’t need any extra tactical input, or rigorous plans, as we just knew. We would almost self-manage, and it’s probably not a coincidence so many of that team became coaches.

What we did need as a group like that was the right environment, and in that we were fortunate in that we had the right coach at the right moment in Guus Hiddink.

He was so attuned to the psychological feeling of the squad, and it came naturally to him. That was very important.

The atmosphere around our base was fantastic, and all of the players who were there at that World Cup still talk about, how enjoyable it was.

Hiddink just had that light touch. It was to his credit, and I think it is really all Spain need now.

When you are a group like them, in a situation as short-term and intense as a World Cup, there’s not much more tactical work you can do. In 1998, for example, I don’t remember doing much training work on pressing as a team or anything like that. We already knew exactly how we needed to press. Similarly, if teams wanted to set up against us in a different way and build from behind, the preparation for this was already built into our system. There were no surprises for us. We had all been through too much in the game, played too many matches, like Spain. We understood.

The most important task for the coach of a team like this is to get a good environment around them, so they can show that experience and talent.

If that’s the case, and the players are then happy enough to fight for each other, the departure of Lopetegui will not be important. They can still beat anyone in Russia - but they can also improve, that’s for sure.

They weren’t the only big side to fail to win in the opening game, of course. There were many.

The importance of such a result can be seen in the vibe enjoyed by England after their win over Tunisia, Belgium after their win over Panama. It can of course be crucial to that environment, too, but need not be definitive.

We found ourselves in a similar position to Spain and Brazil in 1998, in that we drew 0-0 against Belgium and suffered a red card, in a bumpy start. Since we were one of the favourites, we did feel a certain pressure before the game, and it was frustrating because we were so much stronger than Belgium and even with 10 men had more ball possession and chances.

So we were disappointed with a bumpy start, but also positive from the performance, and primed for the next match. We won 5-0, beating Korea.

It is why I am convinced the big teams will have better second games. I think the circumstances will make them come together - and the experience and quality will be decisive.

It again comes back to an environment that facilitates focus, but that’s not to say there aren’t issues to fix.

Brazil started quite well against Switzerland, but then showed they have maybe been a little bit overrated. Neymar is putting to much pressure on himself, but he also has to work out what he is doing that is only good for him, and what is good for the team.

Everybody else knows he is one of the decisive players, but he has to recognise when he needs to force it, and when he needs to play it more simply. There wasn’t much simplicity to his game against Switzerland.

And that’s the key for the group, and the manager, Tite. Because, one more game like this, and you’re going to have real criticism… and maybe real problems.

Does Tite then speak with him alone? Because, as we say, players win games but teams win titles. So, if a team is not right, you can maybe get away with it in one game with luck, in another with individual quality, but you will eventually be punished.

That alone shows how every team has its own story, and what is right for one isn’t necessarily right for another.

Some need that environment, like what Hiddink offers. Some need tactical guidance, like with Louis van Gaal, who manages with that bit more tension and discipline. You could really see the hand of Van Gaal in the Netherlands four years ago, especially with the change in formation.

On that, we’ve mostly seem 4-3-3 from teams at the World Cup - but a few three-man backlines… or five if they’re defensive.

I was impressed with England in that regard. With Belgium’s three at the back against Panama, the first ball forward usually went to the wing-back - something that made them struggle a little bit - but with England it was through the midfield. That was positive.

I was also really happy to see how, in the first half, they played the ball very quickly forward between the lines against a Tunisia that were quite open. Tunisia tightened up in the second half, and played more in groups, so England couldn’t get those balls between the lines any more.

But they persevered. I am happy for Gareth, as I like him, and you feel the energy in the team.

My only doubt for England is regarding experience.

I have seen young teams like that play three good games - like maybe France in 2014 - only to then suddenly go out because they face a challenge against a more experienced side, and don’t know how to handle it.

This is the value in experienced sides like Spain. They notice the problem quicker.

It’s why I think experience is still the most important quality in this World Cup. Spain could show this.