Ex-Madrid Coach Boskov passes away

Vujadin Boskov, who Coached Real Madrid between 1979 and 1982, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.

Boskov was most closely associated with Italian football, leading Sampdoria for six years in which he won the Scudetto, the Italian Super Cup, the Cup Winners’ Cup and two Coppa Italia trophies.

Sampdoria also reached the European Cup final under the tutelage of the Serbian, losing to Barcelona in 1992 at Wembley.

Boskov’s career took in posts in Yugoslavia, as well as the Netherlands and Switzerland, with Real Zaragoza first port of call in Spain.

He spent a year at Zaragoza before moving to Madrid, winning the League and Cup double in 1979-80.

After leaving Los Blancos Boskov spent two years with Sporting Gijon.

Boskov was twice appointed Coach of Yugoslavia, first between 1971 and 1973 and then again between 1999 and 2001.

His latter tenure took in a famous game against Spain at Euro 2000, in which La Roja triumphed 4-3.

Real Madrid are to wear black armbands in tribute in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, and released a statement paying tribute to their former Coach.

“Real Madrid is dismayed by the death of Vujadin Boskov and offers its condolences and affection to his friends and family, especially his wife and his daughter Jelena,” the statement said.

“He was a historical reference point not only for Real Madrid but for all football fans.”

It was announced that Emilio Butragueno will attend Boskov’s funeral on the club’s behalf.

Prominent figures in Spanish football have paid their respects to Boskov, including Vicente del Bosque, who played under Boskov at the club.

“This news is a real shame. I always considered him a good person and a great Coach, who brought many innovations to Real Madrid,” Del Bosque said.

“We’ve lost a myth, a part of football history. Boskov is eternal,” Michel added.

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