Del Bosque to stand down as Spain coach after European Championship
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque has confirmed he intends to leave the national side after he attempts to secure a third-successive European Championship in 2016.
The 63-year-old, under contract through 2016, led Spain to the 2010 World Cup and helped them defend their European title two years later - both of which followed their 2008 triumph in Vienna where they ended a 44-year trophy drought.
Despite a glittering spell at the helm, the former Real Madrid coach earned his first critics following Spain's early exit from this year's World Cup, where they were eliminated at the group stage, and went on to suffer their first loss in qualifying in eight years last week at Slovakia.
"In life, you cannot be absolutely sure about anything but it is my intention to continue until France 2016 and then leave," Del Bosque told Spanish 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."
Del Bosque is in the process of rebuilding the Spain team following their World Cup disappointment in Brazil.
The reigning champions failed to progress from the group stage and it led to veterans Xabi Alonso, Xavi and David Villa all announcing their international retirements.
Del Bosque, however, remained confident he could secure a third-consecutive European title and claimed the use of the quick-passing game, which was integral to their 2008 and 2012 triumphs, would be the best way to achieve this.
"Experiments with the national team are almost impossible as there is no margin for error," Del Bosque added.
"We are helped by the players that we have but we are looking for more depth without losing defensive solidity."
