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| Vicente del Bosque has retired from coaching after Spain’s Euro exit. (Picture: Twitter) |
Vicente del Bosque has confirmed he will retire from coaching when his Spain contract expires at the end of the month.
Del Bosque, Spain’s most successful ever coach after guiding the side to victory at the 2010 World Cup as well as the 2012 European Championships, had previously admitted he could step down after Euro 2016.
And following the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Italy in the round of 16, which followed on from the group stage elimination at the 2014 World Cup, the 65-year-old admits his eight-year spell in charge of La Roja is now over.
“Without any doubt, I have no intention of continuing as coach,” he told Spanish radio station RNE. “I have a contract until July 31 with the (Spanish Football) Federation. I’ve been in the Ciudad Deportiva (Federation’s headquarters) this morning. I have no intention of continuing as coach but there’s still a bit of time left.
“I have tried to treat this matter with discretion because we’re in a business and you need to respect that. But it was a decision taken beforehand.
“Whatever happened at the European Championship I had already decided. I didn’t show it nor did I hide it.”
With Del Bosque’s future unclear ahead of the tournament, several names have already been touted as his potential successor.
Former Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla boss Joaquin Caparros is understood to be among the early frontrunners, though Del Bosque, who replaced Luis Aragones after Spain won Euro 2008, admits there are no plans in place regarding his successor.
“I will continue until July 31. And the president (Angel Maria Villar), when appropriate, will do what’s necessary. They haven’t asked me about replacements. I will do what the Federation tell me. There are very qualified people.
“On July 31 I will leave football. I will be available to help. I will no longer be sitting on the bench, although I will also be close hoping that things go well in Spanish football. If can help in any way, I will.”