Del Bosque quits after Spain's Euro 2016 exit
Friday, July 1, 2016 @ 5:36 PM
Vicente del Bosque has announced that he will step down as Spain coach after his side's Euro 2016 last-16 elimination by Italy.
The 65-year-old led La Roja to World Cup glory in 2010 and the European title in 2012 after taking over from Luis Aragonés in 2008.
Del Bosque made it clear that this had not been a snap decision. He told the Spanish radio station Radiogaceta Sportson on Thursday evening: “I had no intention to remain as coach. No matter what the result of the Euros, I had no doubt about what my future would be.”
Spain won their opening Euro 2016 games against the Czech Republic and Turkey before a defeat by Croatia meant they finished as Group D runners-up, leading to the second-round match against Italy.
Former Sevilla boss, Joaquin Caparrós, and Granada's current coach, Paco Jémez, have emerged as early front-runners to succeed Del Bosque.
“Of course I would be thrilled to be the next Spain coach just like any other coach,” Caparrós told Cadena Ser radio.
In an interview with the same radio station Jémez said: “The national team only comes once in a lifetime and you either take it or it’s over.”
Jémez revealed he has a release clause in his contract with Granada if he is offered the Spain coaching position. The 46-year-old made a name for himself when leading Rayo Vallecano to eighth place in the 2012‑13 La Liga campaign – the best finish in the club’s history.
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