Andres Iniesta looks forward to Iran after 'difficult' coaching change

Andres Iniesta says the Spain players have put Julen Lopetegui's sacking behind them as they prepare for Tuesday's game against Iran.

The 2010 champions head into their second match at Kazan Arena eager for a win under new coach Fernando Hierro, having been held to a scintillating 3-3 draw by rivals Portugal on Friday.

Hierro replaced Lopetegui after he was sensationally fired two days before their opening game, but the 50-year-old's appointment triggered reports in the Spanish media that alleged players were divided over the change.

"We want to forget that change, it's true that it wasn't a nice thing for anybody and it was a difficult thing for everyone," said Iniesta.

"Right now we want to concentrate on what we are doing and what we have.

"Have we any doubts about the coaching team? No, we don't, we have never had any doubts."

Spain, with their mix of proven World Cup winners and young stars, will be heavy favourites to emerge from Kazan with maximum points, though the Carlos Queiroz-coached Iranians top Group B after beating Morocco 1-0 in their opener.

"Wednesday's game is like a final," said Iniesta. "If we win it will give us an advantage in our group and then we can start to look towards the later stages.

"It will be a tough game but you have to remember we're a really united team that's been together for many years.

"We trust each other blindly."

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The opposing managers formed a mutual appreciation society on Tuesday, with Queiroz praising Hierro for uniting the side at short order, and the Spaniard describing the 65-year-old Portuguese as a "wonderful man".

"The Iranian team is a very strong team both defending and attacking, they have very strong options. They are difficult to score against," said Hierro.

"It is going to be tough, we saw how they played against Morocco, but we have analysed them and we know what they like to do, defending and attacking.

"Our opponents are very strong but on the other hand we do many things right so we have to trust in ourselves."

Hierro confirmed Dani Carvajal is fit and available to provide another option at right-back but the coach may be reluctant to drop Nacho Fernandez given his brilliant goal against Portugal, which made up for conceding an early penalty.

Hierro was also resolute that goalkeeper David de Gea's place was assured despite the Manchester United stopper's tough night in the opener, when he let through one of Cristiano Ronaldo's three goals with a surprising blunder.

"De Gea is going to play on Wednesday, we trust him 100 per cent," said Hierro.