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'Spain have an enviable team' - Del Bosque shrugs off criticism
Jun 25, 2012 8:13:00 PM
The former Real Madrid boss is unperturbed that La Roja have been accused of being boring, claiming that he is just pleased that they have met all of their own expectations so far
Vicente del Bosque insists that he is not paying the slightest bit of attention to the current criticism of Spain's style of play, arguing that no matter what anyone else says, he knows he is in possession of an "enviable team".La Roja drew widespread praise for the way in which they went about winning Euro 2008 but there were some murmurings of disapproval during their successful 2010 World Cup campaign, with some pundits claiming that the country's unique brand of tika-taka possession football had become repetitive and monotonous.
The backlash has increased at Euro 2012, with the Italian media going as far to label Spain boring and defensive, but Del Bosque claims that he is more bemused than upset by the flak.
"Up until now we have fulfilled [expectations]," the former Real Madrid boss argued during an interview with Radio Marca.
"We showed authority against France [in the quarter-finals] and we were only under threat in that one action with the [Ivan] Rakitic header that [Iker] Casillas saved [against Croatia, in the group stages].
"The important thing is to have control of the game in defence and attack. We have an enviable team."
Del Bosque also claimed that he has not been put out by the personal attacks, which have centred on his ploy of playing with a false nine in the form of Cesc Fabregas.
"I haven't listened to it [the criticism] all," the two-time Champions League-winning coach admitted. "I have read things on the Internet but I don't have the feeling I am being persecuted.
"I have the sensation of receiving warmth and I don't believe in conspiracies. I would be embarrassed and ashamed to use my CV to defend myself."
Del Bosque went on to refute the allegation that he has decided against fielding a traditional No. 9 because he has no faith in his forwards. "We have brought four strikers with us and all of them can play," he added.
Spain continue their bid for a third successive major international tournament triumph when they take on Portugal in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 in Donetsk on Wednesday night.
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