Spain snapshot: is there life after Vicente del Bosque for La Roja?

Spain’s implosion at the 2014 World Cup, and their subsequent struggles in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, will have been a shock to a generation of younger fans that have recently seen La Roja lift a succession of trophies.

Older followers, however, would have to cast their minds back to 1964 to see Spain (11/2 to win Euro 2016) celebrate a triumph, with the Iberian outfit ranking alongside England as consistent under-achievers until their Euro 2008 triumph turned the tide and heralded a new era.

With the news that World Cup-winning coach Vicente del Bosque, who is synonymous with Spain’s success, intends to step down after Euro 2016, Coral writers contemplate who may be in the frame to take over the Iberian outfit.

Speaking recently, Del Bosque stated:
“In life you can never be sure of anything but yes, that’s my intention: to continue until 2016 in France and then to leave. The [Spanish] federation needs to prepare a gentle transition [to his successor] but I will stay close to football and the federation.”

Pep Guardiola
If the Spanish FA decide not to leave anything to chance and attempt to lure a big-hitter with enough gravitas and conviction in their ideals to replace Del Bosque, there could be no better fit than Guardiola.

The former Barcelona boss has played a huge part in the development of many of the current crop of stars and their playing style, so would be a natural successor. He will also have had ample time to win it all with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich by then, so the supposed vacancy could arrive at the perfect time.

Guardiola, 43, would still be relatively young by the summer of 2016, so the limited interaction with players over the course of a season may be a sticking point. However, the prospect of blooding in a new generation would surely appeal.

Rafa Benitez
Despite being much-maligned by Inter Milan fans and a source of amusement to numerous Premier League followers, Benitez has a credible track record and is still highly-rated in his homeland for breaking the Barca-Real Madrid duopoly on La Liga.

The former Valencia tactician has proven on numerous occasions that he excels in cup competitions, and an experienced and stable hand could prove crucial to continuing Spain’s success. However, fans may understandably worry that the 54-year-old could tinker too much, after the ex-Liverpool manger was blamed for Inter’s post treble-winning slump.