Spain have hit pinnacle of what is possible, says Del Bosque

Jan 7, 2013 4:30:00 PM

La Roja’s boss believes that Pep Guardiola being nominated for the Coach of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony bodes well for the future of football in the nation

By Greg Stobart in Zurich

Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque has suggested that the side have reached their pinnacle as a power in the footballing world, and believes that remaining at that peak is key to future success.

The Roja boss guided the squad to the final of Euro 2012 last year, which they won 4-0 against Italy, and that triumph has seen him nominated for the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.

Spain have won the last three major tournaments they have taken part in now, and Del Bosque hopes that the nation can overcome their obstacles in the future to stay at the very top of the sport.

“Well I guess it’s a matter of pride,” he said. “I think our country has hit the pinnacle of what is possible now. We have to prepare for the future and the next competition.

“Football is a permanent challenge.”

Pep Guardiola - a fellow Spaniard - has also been nominated for the 2012 accolade, alongside Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, and Del Bosque believes that is a sign of success for Spain.

“Well we’re very happy that we have two Spanish coaches here, this means the training of coaches in Spain is good,” he added. “We went to see how coaches are being trained in other countries.”

Goal.com revealed exclusively on Monday that Jose Mourinho decided not to attend the Ballon d’Or due to a strained relationship with his players and not believing he would win, and Del Bosque backed the Blancos boss to do as he pleased.

He said: "[That] is a personal choice. He has a big game on Wednesday so that has justified his absence."

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