Logrono, Spain, Sept 7: Vicente del Bosque wants to remain coach of World Cup champion Spain beyond Euro 2012 but insists there “is no rush” to sign a contract extension.
Del Bosque's side beat Liechtenstein 6-0 Tuesday to secure top spot in Group I and qualify for next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine where it will attempt to be the first European nation to defend the continental title after winning the World Cup.
“Normally once you achieve classification for the Euro you're contract as coach is automatically renewed. We have postponed that,” Del Bosque said from Las Gaunas stadium. “There is no rush.”
The victory was Del Bosque's 41st in 47 games since replacing Luis Aragones following the Euro 2008 win, with five defeats. Spain reaches next year's event in Poland and the Ukraine as Group I winner with two qualifying games.
“There is no problem. Myself and the (Spanish federation) president and secretary general have spoken and everything is resolved,” Del Bosque said. “There's desire to continue and we're both in agreement with that but there's still much time to go.”
Spain now has a chance to become the first European nation to defend the title after winning the World Cup.
“We achieved our goal, which is something that we may not appreciate because we have become used to (winning), but it was very important for me,” the 60-year-old Salamanca native said.
Del Bosque also downplayed striker Fernando Torres' absence from the lineup as the 50 million pound ($81 million) Chelsea striker watched from the stands as Alvaro Negredo filled in for him by scoring two goals, just as David Villa did.
Del Bosque said Torres made way for Fernando Llorente, who came on as a substitute in front of his hometown fans. Torres scored the winner in the 1-0 Euro 2008 final win over Germany but has struggled with the national side over the past two years.
“With so many players it becomes a problem since so many don't play and today we decided that Llorente would go out,” Del Bosque said. “We'd also like to give some of the younger players a chance.” AP
