Vicente Del Bosque is an ex-Real Madrid manager (and player) who ran the team briefly in 1994 and then from 1999 to 2003. Once he took over in '99, the Salamanca-born Spaniard guided Real through one of their most prosperous periods in recent history. He'll go down as one of the club's most successful coaches of all time. Here's a quick rundown of Real's trophy haul while he was in charge:- 2 La Liga titles (2001, 2003)
- 1 Spanish Super Cup (2001)
- 2 UEFA Champions League trophies (2000, 2002)
- 1 UEFA Super Cup (2002)
- 1 FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2002)
As everyone knows, Real Madrid have not been doing too well of late. Actually, since Del Bosque's departure, Real have only been able to collect one trophy, the 2003 Spanish Super Cup. This is quite a stain for such an illustrious club. Fabio Capello, Real's current coach, is the sixth manager since Del Bosque.
Last Sunday, Spanish sports daily Marca ran an interview that Del Bosque gave to journalist Jose Felix Diaz. Here is a rough translation of that interview:
Are you looking to get back into coaching?
Yes, absolutely. I would very much like to get back into managing. I am not sure if it will be in Spain though, I am afraid that I would be too identified with Real Madrid. I am not actively seeking any positions, that is not who I am. If a opening is presented to me, then great, I will consider it. If not, then nothing happens. I'm not against going somewhere outside of Spain.
What kind of circumstances have to be in place for a return to coaching?
There are some. It is not a case of going where the money is, that has never been an issue for me. The position should excite me and motivate me to do my job well. I am 55 years old and I do not see myself too old to handle the day-to-day responsibilities as technical director at a soccer club.
What about returning to Real Madrid, do you ever think about it?
That is a little complicated. I would never say never to anything, but we have to be realistic here. During the last elections [for club president], some of the candidates approached me about coming back to manage the club. Either way, I think that it's in everyone's best interests that I do not return.
Did Ramon Calderon [current Real president] offer you the job? If so, how did he do it?
No, no. I offered him my congratulations, but that was it. He has his own people, I respect everyone in his inner circle. He should be allowed to follow his own path without any distractions from the club's past.
How do you see today's Real Madrid, the team on the field?
Well, Real Madrid hit bottom against Getafe. I do not like the way they are playing right now even though I recognize that they played an excellent game against Barcelona. I just do not like their style. A team is defined by it's midfield, and the characteristics that define the players in the center of the pitch. With the players that the team has inhabiting that area of the pitch, it is hard for the team to play good soccer. Real Madrid is obligated to play in a certain way, aesthetically pleasing. I do not fail to recognize that it is a competitive side which has improved with Sergio Ramos at fullback, with Helguera, with Robinho...
Are they lacking talent?
I do not rate the overall talent of the team. But I reiterate, it is a very competitive side. They are a reflection of Capello. Coaches are slaves to the players they have at their disposal. Real Madrid lack imagination, a bit of magic. This should not be news to anybody. To fans of the club, the team lacks attacking flair. They would love to see more of that in their team.
Concerning the [Spanish] national team, your name was mentioned last month when there were some questioning the side's current form. What are your thoughts on this?
Right now we have a national team selector who has had to withstand all kinds of attacks. He [Luis Aragones] has been able to survive it, mostly because of his experience as a manager. I see a lot of potential in the team, but they seem to be lacking something at the moment. I understand that the expectations on them are big, but I see a bright future for them. Of course I have my dreams, it would be a great honor to coach the national side. If I find myself employed beforehand, than my chances would improve.
What do you think of Guti and Raul's current form?
Raul has been affected by the turmoil surrounding the club. Of course, the lack of silverware has taken it's toll on him. But he has been able to lift the team in the past, he will do it again. Guti is in excellent shape, he has the technical ability, and when he is in the starting eleven, assumes the responsibilities of his position.
What do you think of Valencia and Sevilla?
Valencia and Sevilla, top to bottom, have more complete teams. They are also more secure in each position that Real Madrid, though Real have many good players.
What about Barcelona's current form?
They have smart players who will be able to work themselves out of this rough patch. What is happening to Barcelona is just a slight cold, nothing more. They are too good not to get over this and continue on winning trophies. Are they today's galacticos? Those of us who enjoy the normality and discretion of life are against everything that term represents. For Barca, Ronaldinho has been vital to the team's success the last couple of years. He is exuberant, he has put a smile on a lot of faces. He was tightly marked against Chelsea and Real, they did not allow him to turn and face the goal. This, I am afraid, has made him a bit timid of late.
Vicente del Bosque interview (in Spanish) [Marca]
Real ditch Del Bosque [BBC]
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