Del Bosque: No Time For Tributes

La Selección’s new coach Vicente del Bosque is feeling the full range of emotions as he prepares to make his international debut and in an interview with Spanish daily As, he did not attempt to hide his sentiments in regards to Wednesday’s friendly at Copenhagen.

“I am a little nervous and anxious but that is normal. It is an emotion that one feels before embarking on something new and that happens in life as well,” he started off philosophically.

The 57 year old then admitted that there’s not much difference between coaching at a club level and at national level in terms of pressure and responsibility, especially when that club is Real Madrid. 

The one significant difference is the interaction with the players, which does not happen as often with the national squad. But del Bosque revealed what he told his European champions when they met up for the first time.

“I allowed them a chance to look back at their success, but only to emphasize the unity and the humility that they showed throughout the Eurocopa.

“I want to let them know that they must continue to be humble and that winning the Euros hasn’t changed that.”

The moustachioed trainer also assured that he will not tinker with the playing system and style that worked so well for La Furia Roja in Austria-Switzerland, but he did stress the need to adapt accordingly.

“It is possible to change from game to game based on the rivals but we will keep the basic idea and principle.”

Finally, he looked ahead to the dawn of a new era for Spain and for himself.

“In regards to our recent success, we have done well but we do not have time for tributes. We have to focus on a new phase in our football and on a new competition.

“I’m very excited to be able to return to work. Eventhough I am a calm person, I’m very passionate about my football” he concluded.

KS Leong