Aragones defends picking Del Horno

SPAIN coach Luis Aragones has defended his decision to pick Chelsea left-back Asier Del Horno ahead of Getafe’s Mariano Pernia in his 27-man squad for the pre-World Cup get-together.

Getafe boss Bernd Schuster hit out, saying Del Horno’s only contribution this season “had been to kick Messi in the Champions League” while Pernia “has had a great season”.

But Aragones said: “I understand that Pernia’s absence may surprise many considering he is playing very well.

Argentina-born Pernia only recently got his Spanish nationality and a coach must respect other players that have played before. We cannot forget that Del Horno scored against England.”