Spain football coach keen to continue, for now

Posted Saturday, September 17, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque told the sports daily As on Saturday that he would prefer to stay in his current position than accept an offer to coach abroad, but also admitted that he is likely to retire in the not-too-distant future.

When asked why he turned down financially-tempting proposals from both Inter Milan and Chelsea over the summer, Del Bosque replied: "Because I am happy and satisfied with the Federation (RFEF), and with the national team. Being happy with your work is more important than money."

His current deal expires after next summer's European Championships, and Del Bosque has yet to sign the extension offer put on the table by the RFEF, but the former Real Madrid coach insists he is happy to stay put.

"We are in agreement. They want me to stay and I want to stay too, but the Euros are not for another ten months and that is a long time in football," he said.

Looking further ahead, Del Bosque will be 63 by the time the 2014 World Cup comes around, and he does not envisage remaining in the game for too much longer.

"I have not thought about it too much, but I can't really see myself still working as a coach in my late sixties," he added, before adding that current Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola would be the ideal successor.

"I like Pep a lot and he is ready for it, without doubt. He is a fantastic person and a great coach. He also has the necessary experience."