Madrid: Beleaguered Spain coach Luis Aragones retains the support of his country's federation despite his team's 2-0 defeat against Sweden in a European Championship qualifier.
"We're on the side of the coach and we support all his work. He has had a splendid career. If two years ago there was unanimity about his appointment ... he now has even more experience," federation president Angel Villar told Spanish state TV.
"He will keep working to take the team to the (2008) European finals in Austria and Switzerland."
Spain's defeat in Solna on Saturday was their third in the last five games but Aragones said he had no plans to resign. Previously, the veteran coach had been unbeaten in 25 matches in charge.
"I've been in soccer for a long time and I know these things happen. I'm under no obligation to go and whether I stay or not depends on the federation," Aragones said. "I recognise that we have lost two qualifying games and this is a burden but I feel strong enough to continue."
Spain's defeat, without dropped Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez, followed a 3-2 loss in Northern Ireland in a qualifier in Belfast last month. Aragones offered to resign at the time but was persuaded to stay by Villar.
The previous time Spain suffered two straight defeats was 15 years ago, also in European qualifying games, when they failed to reach the finals.
Aragones' team currently lies fifth in the seven-team Group F behind Sweden, Denmark, Northern Ireland and Latvia. The top two advance.
"There's a long way to go, we hope people will support us," Spain captain Iker Casillas said. "The players are mainly to blame as they are the ones on the field of play. We played well today but we were unlucky."
Spain's defeat led to renewed calls in the country's press on Sunday for Aragones to resign.
"Luis, go now!" ran the headline in daily Sport. Marca wrote: "No one can bear this."
"Luis, backed by the (federation) president, has lost the plot on the field and in the dressing room," El Pais wrote. "And we should remember that Northern Ireland or Sweden, for example, are not France."
Spain, who host Argentina in a friendly on Wednesday, next play European Championship qualifiers in late March against Denmark and Iceland.
Comments
0 comment