End Of Era: Del Bosque officially leaves as Spain coach after Euro 2016 exit

Spain officially parted ways with veteran coach Vicente del Bosque on Monday, one week after La Roja lost to Italy in the round-of-16 at Euro 2016.
Del Bosque, 65, guided Spain to wins at the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012, but also oversaw their shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Monday published an official statement thanking Del Bosque for his eight years with the team.
He took over the role following Spain’s European Championship win in 2008 under his predecessor, Luis Aragones.
On Monday the RFEF issued a statement saying that Del Bosque will accept a role within the federation.
“[Spanish federation president] Angel Maria Villar considers Vicente del Bosque to be ‘part of Spanish football patrimony’ and has offered him a chance to continue with the federation. He has accepted and details of the offer will be solidified over the next few weeks.”
That statement comes after Del Bosque had confirmed last week that he would be leaving at the end of his contract and would not accept any role with the federation.

“Without a doubt, I have no intention to remain as coach, but you have to be discreet. No matter what the result of the Euros, I had no doubt about what my future would be,” he told Spanish public radio RNE last week.
“I will continue until July 31. And the president, when he thinks it’s opportune, will make it happen. They haven’t asked me for substitutes. I will do what the federation tells me. There are many qualified people.”
Spain will now turn their focus to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia from a group that also includes Italy. The first qualifying game will be in September.
Former Granada coach Joaquin Caparros, former Spain under-21 boss Julen Lopetegui and ex-La Roja coach Jose Antonio Camacho have all been tipped to succeed him.
Caparros is reported to be Villar’s preferred candidate and a new coach is expected to be named on July 19.

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