CURITIBA, Brazil (AP) – Spain coach Vicente del Bosque remained mum over his future Friday despite public backing from the Spanish federation, saying any decision would only come after the World Cup.
Del Bosque’s future has been under question since Spain became the first defending champion to be out of contention after just two group games.
While federation director Jorge Perez told a Spanish radio station that Del Bosque was “the ideal man to lead the transition the team needs,” the coach himself said things weren’t so clear-cut.
“We’re still in the midst of the competition and I don’t think it’s the moment to talk about my future,” Del Bosque said from the team’s training base in southern Brazil. “Whatever we decide will be what we feel is the best for the team. If I am a problem to our football than I’ll go.”
The 63-year-old Del Bosque is under contract through 2016, when Spain will be looking to win its third straight European Championship, and second under the former Real Madrid coach. Del Bosque also guided Spain to the World Cup title in 2010.