Xavi concedes Spain challenge

Xavi has admitted that Spain face a difficult task to successfully defend their title at Euro 2012 due to the stiff competition.

The Spaniards are one of the favourites to win the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, but the Barcelona star has stressed that it would not mean the end of the world for Spain if they do not emerge victorious.

“We are going to try to win it, but if we don’t achieve it then we will be calm. It would by no means be a disaster for us,” Xavi told El Pais.

“There are seven or eight teams that could win the title, so there would be a lot of disasters this year if that were the case, not everybody can win.

“I can’t remember such an open tournament. There are rivals desperate to win and well-prepared like Netherlands, who have everything and are a very good team.

“Then you have France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy and England.”

Spain start Euro 2012 with the Group C match against Italy on June 10.