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Vicente del Bosque plans to retire after Euro 2016
The long-time Spain manager wants to retire after next summer’s international tournament, hopefully on a high note.
Handout/Getty Images
Spain national team manager Vicente del Bosque appears to be preparing his side for his final tournament, after saying in an interview that he plans to retire following Euro 2016 next summer.
My retirement is close. If everything goes according to plan [Euro 2016] will be the end.
I am a man of the Federation and I have to speak to them before taking a final decision.
-Source: BBC
Del Bosque, who turns 65 on Wednesday, has lead Spain to two major trophies, including the last European Championships in 2012. That came on the heels of a dominant display by Spain at the 2010 World Cup, one that they could not replicate in a disappointing appearance at the 2014 World Cup. He’s managed Spain since 2008, taking over after his predecessor, the late Luis Aragonés, who left after leading Spain to winning Euro 2008.
Suffice it to say, whoever replaces Del Bosque will have big shoes to fill. While he’s certainly had his critics over the years, the one-time Real Madrid manager has had a long and successful career, with accolades, awards and major trophies galore. Hopefully whatever he chooses to do next brings Del Bosque just as much success -- and even more happiness.
But first, it’s on to Euro 2016. We’ll have to see just how hard his team fights to send Del Bosque out on a high note.
Goal of the day
In the news
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will be without Alexis Sanchez until mid-January following an injury setback. (ESPN FC)
River Plate officials have apologized after supporters spat at Barcelona star Lionel Messi during the Club World Cup final. (AS)
AC Milan are set to re-sign former rossonero star Kevin-Prince Boateng on a free transfer. (Guardian)
One-time Swansea star Michu has signed with Langreon, a team in Spain’s fourth division managed by his brother. (BBC)
Liverpool want to sign Schalke defender Joel Matip, but would probably have to settle for a pre-contract deal to acquire him on a fee this summer. (Echo)
Several records fell in the first half of the Bundesliga season, including two eye-opening scoring records. (Bundesliga.de)
After years of rumors, Diego Forlan may finally be heading to MLS. (MLSsoccer.com)
You should be reading
Jonathan Wilson thinks there’s an overarching plot to Jose Mourinho’s career: revenge. (Guardian)
Phil Neville says it’s time for a “reality check” at Manchester United. (BBC)
Nick Miller thinks he knows the best place for Pep Guardiola to go once he’s done at Bayern Munich this spring. (ESPN FC)
What happened in Monday’s action
Arsenal struggled through much of the second half, but still did enough to beat Manchester City 2-1 to hold on to second place. (The Short Fuse)
What to watch on Tuesday
There’s nothing thanks to the holiday season. Sorry folks.
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