Alkorta backing del Bosque move
Rafael Alkorta has backed Vicente del Bosque to become Spain's next national team coach amid claims he is set to replace Luis Aragones. Spanish media on Tuesday suggested that Del Bosque, who led Real Madrid to two Primera Liga and two Champions League titles during three-and-a-half years at the Bernabeu before leaving in 2003, is in line to take over from Aragones when the veteran coach steps down after Euro 2008.
Alkorta, who made over 50 appearances for Spain and represented Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao before retiring in 2002, said of Del Bosque: "He is a man who has many great qualities to be coach.
"He knows football, is patient and, above all, he is open to talk to, and this is very good for a player."
Alkorta also believes that the speculation over his successor should not distract Aragones as he makes his plans for this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
He added in Marca: "He has already said that after the European Championships he will leave.
"I believe that Luis must not give any importance to all this and say goodbye by having a great tournament."
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In his four seasons in charge Del Bosque ushered the club through its most successful spell in modern history, having steered the club to two UEFA Champions League titles in 2000 and 2002, two domestic titles La Liga in 2001 and 2003, a Spanish Supercup in 2001, a European Supercup in 2002, the Intercontinental Cup in 2002 as well as being runners up in a host of other competitions including the FIFA Club World Championship of 2000, and finishing in the last four of the UEFA Champions League every year he was in charge.
Shockingly, Real Madrid decided to not renew Del Bosque's contract in 2003, just a day after he won the club its 29th League title and a week after the club signed David Beckham.
Horrible decision: Real Madrid didnt want a title in 4 years, until last season La Liga dramatic run to the title. Foreign coach came with horrible results: Queiroz, Luxemburgo, spanish Lopez Caro and finally Capello to win again as in 96-97.
