Spain boss to quit

SPAIN coach Vicente del Bosque has indicated that he will stand down following the Euro 2016 football championship.

Del Bosque, aged 63, came under fire following his team’s dreadful performance in the World Cup in Brazil during the summer, and is currently in the process of rebuilding a more youthful Spanish team following the retirements of Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Xavi.

“In life you cannot be absolutely sure about anything but it is my intention to continue until France 2016 and then leave,” he told sports newspaper AS.

“In my case, the federation will make a smooth transition and my plan is to remain involved in football and with the federation.”

The former Real Madrid coach from Salamanca steered the Spanish side to glory in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, followed by another triumph at Euro 2012.

After a poor defence of the World Cup title in Brazil, Spain has had mixed fortunes in the current Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. Del Bosque’s side won their opening game against Macedonia, but were beaten by Slovakia before registering another win against Luxembourg last week.