Del Bosque to step down as Spain manager after Euro 2016, explains decision to pick De Gea over Casillas

Vicente del Bosque looks on during the Euro 2016 qualifier match between Luxembourg and Spain at Stade Josy Barthel stadium on October 12, 2014 in Luxembourg.

Vicente del Bosque’s contribution towards the success of Spain in the past decade is one of the most significant ones, leading the nation to their first-ever World Cup win and two European Championship trophies.

However, pundits and supporters alike have been suggesting that Bosque’s method has somewhat out-dated now as the country is in the process of rebuilding. Speaking to Spanish agency AS, Bosque was asked whether he would want to continue in his role till the Euro 2016 which is to be held in France.

“That is my idea, unless that are obstacles that stop me,” said Bosque. “In life you cannot be absolutely sure about anything but it is my intention to continue until France 2016 and then leave. In my case, the federation will make a smooth transition and my plan is to remain involved in football and with the federation.”

Spain have started their qualification campaign for Euro 2016 with a rather young side, and till now have registered two wins over Macedonia and Luxembourg, and one defeat to Slovakia.

When asked about the criticism targeted towards him following Spain’s early elimination from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Bosque said, “I think the criticism from people has been fine and comprehensive. They have always given me and the team affection. Then there has been those who have been a bit more hostile, but I will not fight with them, I do not want to.”

Iker Casillas’ future in the national team

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has been a constant figure at the national level, however, Bosque’s decision to opt for Manchester United’s David De Gea during Spain’s Group C qualifier against Luxembourg has been an interesting change.

“About Iker Casillas, transitions can be sweet or traumatic,” Bosque said. “In the case of the goalkeeper, he is a huge goalkeeper with a fantastic history and for a man with the respect of Casillas, we must combine the present with the future. It is normal for us to worry about the medium term and the other goalkeepers that come such as De Gea or Kiko Casilla. What we want is a normal transition, as there have been before.”

“I remember the cases of Capdevila and Marcos Senna, Senna continued with us for another year while Busquets was integrated. That’s what we want. But yes, consideration has to be taken with Casillas, we don’t know how long he will last. This is not an overnight thing. Maybe up until the 2018 World Cup should be a goal of Iker Casillas, but our next step is to France 2016,“ he added,