A time for change for La Roja?

Following a disastrous World Cup for the reigning champions, the future of Coach Vicente Del Bosque is up in the air. The 63-year-old has overseen the most successful period in history of the national team but with the shared feeling that it is the end of a cycle for La Roja, he seems inclined to agree.

The RFEF have come out and given their unconditional support to Del Bosque, proclaiming he is the only man to lead them into Euro 2016, adding there is no better man for the job. Despite this remarkable backing in an age of impatience, the former Real Madrid boss seems reluctant to accept the vote of confidence, which suggests maybe the time is right for change.

Del Bosque immediately offered his resignation which was rejected but it looks as though change is afoot for Spain. After total international dominance everything seemed to go wrong in Brazil and the side became a laughing stock. Del Bosque's trusty servants failed to repay his faith and the team's ‘tiki-taka’ style was found out as they were well beaten by the Netherlands and Chile.

Although his loyalty to the players who got the side where they are today is admirable, looking back it was the wrong decision to stay faithful and new blood should have been brought in. As the spine of the team winds down their career, the Coach’s body language and tone seems to suggest he fancies waving goodbye to the international scene as well.

It's easy in hindsight to look back and criticise but from the outside looking in the side appeared stale and out of ideas. Can Del Bosque motivate himself again to start another era of glory? Can he adapt or can he rejuvenate the team’s style? What has been a happy camp for so many years looks to have some tension, with players speaking out about their colleagues and rumoured rifts with the Coach.

The world of management is cruel with fans quick to forget history and mistakes jumped upon immediately. Del Bosque made mistakes in Brazil, as did all of the players, but we must not forget what he has done, not only for Spain but football as a whole. The majority of the squad adore him, the respect is immense, and should he want to continue as Coach he will deserve his second chance. Is there a better man for the job? Probably not, but the lack of fighting talk from Del Bosque says a lot.

With so many of the golden generation retiring maybe it is time for a change at the top too. It's the end of a period of dominance but the future is still bright for La Roja as they continue to produce a talented crop of youngsters. Whoever is Coach will have a wonderful pool of talent to choose from and Spain will be back before you know it. 

La Liga - Club News