Del Bosque won't tinker

New Spain coach prepared to keep things as they are

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd July 2008

Vicente del Bosque

Del Bosque: Ready for challenge

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Vicente del Bosque has revealed that he intends to make few changes to the Spanish national team.

The former Real Madrid coach is expected to be officially unveiled as the European Champions' new coach in the near future and admits that he is fortunate to be inheriting a squad which needs little work.

Spain have risen to the top of Fifa's world rankings on the back if their Euro 2008 success, the first time the nation has held such an honour.

Remaining at the top will now be the task facing Del Bosque and the veteran coach has paid tribute to the historic achievements of his predecessor Luis Aragones.

"What Luis has done is a tribute to all Spanish coaches and for that we owe him our thanks," he told AS.

"It was perfect work. Luis knew how to pick the best players and to find the perfect system for them."

Superior

Spain's attacking instincts won them many admirers during the recent tournament in Austria and Switzerland and Del Bosque would appear to have no plans to steer away from those principles.

"They played with insurmountable form and were superior to all rivals, even those who were champions of Europe and the world," he said, referring to victories over Greece and Italy.

"It's a young national team with a lot of appeal."

Del Bosque is tipped to be handed the reins up to and including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and will be hoping to enjoy a healthier relationship with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) than Aragones endured.

The outgoing coach has slammed the federation for pushing him out of the door and negotiating with potential replacements behind his back.

However, despite the arguments, the president of the RFEF has spoken of his gratitude at the job done by the enigmatic 69-year-old.

"I'll always say that Luis Aragones is an extraordinary national coach and that Spanish football will always be thankful to him," said Angel Maria Villar.