Costa finding his feet under Lopetegui for Spain

Spain striker Diego Costa has thanked coach Julen Lopetegui for making him feel more at home at international level.

Brazilian-born Costa switched allegiance to Spain ahead of the 2014 World Cup despite having played two friendlies for the country of his birth.

The Chelsea star struggled badly as the then-reigning world champions were the first side eliminated from the competition and he failed to make Vicente del Bosque’s squad for Euro 2016.

But Lopetegui has brought the 28-year-old back into the fold and he scored his fourth goal of the qualification campaign for Russia 2018 in Spain’s 4-1 win over Israel on Friday.

“It’s really important when the coach has the trust in you,” Costa told reporters.

¡Así es está la clasificación tras nuestra victoria ante Israel! #VamosEspaña https://t.co/cX1yKk6wIk pic.twitter.com/qbLiLNc1Dt

— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) March 24, 2017

“Del Bosque trusted me a lot, and with the time I was more comfortable in the national team.

“Everything was important – Lopetegui and all the time I spent with my teammates [under Del Bosque].

“I’m more comfortable now, little by little I’m getting more confident and I’m improving my game.”

Spain lead Italy at the top of Group G on goal difference and travel to Paris for a friendly against France on Tuesday.