World Soccer News: Vicente Del Bosque To Step Down As Spain Coach After 2016 European Championship
Spain national soccer team coach Vicente del Bosque confirmed earlier reports that he is planning to step down after their campaign in the 2016 European Championship in France.
Del Bosque said in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS that his contract will run out after Euro 2016, and he has no plan to secure a new deal from Spain's football association.
"In life, you cannot be absolutely sure about anything but it is my intention to continue until France 2016 and then leave," del Bosque said via Sky Sports.
While he will step down as coach, Del Bosque quickly added that he will remain involved in Spanish football in a different capacity, but he declined to give specifics about the new position that he will take once he steps down.
"In my case, the federation will make a smooth transition and my plan is to remain involved in football and with the federation," del Bosque said.
The 63-year-old coach had a lot of success with Spain over the past several years. He helped Spain win the 2008 and 2012 European Championship, while also leading the Spanish side to World Cup success in 2010 in South Africa.
However, del Bosque drew flak this year after Spain's disappointing performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. They were considered as favorite to repeat, but they failed to advance to the knockout stages.
Critics took a swipe at del Bosque again last week after Spain lost to Slovakia, which was their first loss in a Euro qualifying match in eight years.
But despite their recent struggles, del Bosque remains confident that Spain has a good chance to win their third straight European title in 2016.
"Experiments with the national team are almost impossible as there is no margin for error," del Bosque said. "We are helped by the players that we have but we are looking for more depth without losing defensive solidity."
Del Bosque is currently rebuilding the Spanish football squad after veterans Xabi Alonso, Xavi and David Villa announced their retirement from international football. Recent rumors also indicated that goalkeeper Iker Casillas is planning to retire, but del Bosque said that he is not aware of it.
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