Spain manager Vicente del Bosque tried to play down the scale of his side’s 1-0 home defeat to Georgia late Tuesday.
The reigning European champions suffered the unexpected loss to a side ranked 137th in the world as they head into Euro 2016 but Del Bosque deflected criticism of his side’s performance.
“We shouldn’t be distressed over the outcome of this match,” Del Bosque told reporters after the match in Getafe.
“We must look forward and take on the challenge that is the European Championship.
“In the first half our players were overlapping too often. We accumulated too many bodies to start the offensive plays.”
When asked about striker Alvaro Morata, who was left on the bench because of discomfort in his thigh, Del Bosque said: “We preferred not to play him so he’s in top form for the Euro opener against the Czech Republic.”
Spain, who also face Croatia and Turkey in France, almost opened the scoring when Thiago Alcantara’s first-half shot hit the post.
But three minutes later Georgia broke the deadlock as an error from the usually dependable Sergio Ramos allowed Jambul Jigauri time to pick out Tornike Okria-shvili, who slotted home.
Del Bosque brought on Andres Iniesta, Coke, Hector Bellerin and Mikel San Jose at half-time, but Georgia defended deeply and forced Spain into speculative long-range shots with Nolito’s 25-metre effort going just wide.
A superb cross from substitute David Silva found Jordi Alba in the six-yard box but his first-time shot lacked power and his attempt was saved by substitute Nukri Revishvili, the former Valletta FC goalkeeper.
The home side continued to press forward in attack but they lacked the finishing touch against a well-marshalled Georgian defensive wall.
Meanwhile, Manchester United keeper David de Gea said he is still waiting to hear if he will be in goal for Spain against the Czechs.
De Gea played against Georgia but Porto’s Iker Casillas had been the first-choice goalkeeper since 2002 and played in the previous friendly match, a 6-1 rout of South Korea.
Asked about which player Del Bosque would pick for the opener, De Gea said: “I don’t know. We will have to wait until Monday to see what the decision is.
“It’s the coach’s decision and it wouldn’t be a disappointment (not to start against the Czech Republic),” he said.
“I always work with the aim of playing for my country.”
Del Bosque has not given an indication of who he will pick and said the decision will be made on the day.
De Gea is, however, considered the favourite after another solid season for United in the English Premier League. The 25-year-old was named by the club’s fans as the Player of the Year for the third season running.