Vicente del Bosque rates leaving Marcos Senna out of the 2010 World Cup squad as his hardest decision as Spain Coach.
Del Bosque has spoken to Publico after his retirement from the bench was confirmed and he was asked about a best and worst moment in charge of La Roja.
“I don’t take anything from the eight years. I’ve done what I enjoy, with football people, and an institution like the Spanish Football Federation which has treated me wonderfully. They have been a great family. I can’t complain about anything, because every time we have lost, we’ve had the support of the people,” he replied, before offering his successor some advice.
“I’d wish him all the luck in the world, and say that everything you do is for Spanish football and the national team. With the position we hold we must always respect football.”
Del Bosque also called for Iker Casillas to get the send-off he deserves if he is to leave the national team, looked back on the generation that won in 2008 and discussed dropping Senna.
“That was possibly the hardest, because he was a player instrumental in winning Euro 2008. But that’s what it is to be a Coach, you’re forced to make tough decisions, like with Casillas in France,” he acknowledged.
“Casillas? First, you have to see what decision the Coach makes. What is clear to me is that Iker should go with top honours because we’re talking about a unique player. I’ve said maybe I was wrong [with the way he handled dropping Casillas in France], but everyone stayed with the complaints and no one highlighted the extraordinary respect and behaviour he had with his teammates.
“I wouldn’t name anyone who surprised me. I’d rather speak of the generation, some in 2008 and some who came later. That list has players like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Juan Mata…We can have another generation like that, certainly, if we’re not afraid. The generations that come next are very promising.
“I don’t know what’s next for me. I haven’t decided anything. The first thing I ask for is my health, that’s the most important. I’m sure I won’t be away from football.”
