World Cup 2014: Spain Want Vicente Del Bosque To Continue

The Spanish Football Federation wants Vicente Del Bosque to continue as Spain coach despite their dismal performance at the World Cup in Brazil.

The holders were knocked out on Wednesday after chastening defeats by the Netherlands and Chile.

But Jorge Perez, Spain's director of football, told Spanish radio: “From top to bottom in the federation we are all behind Del Bosque.

“If he does resign, we will try to convince him to stay.”

Del Bosque, 63, who won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship with Spain, admitted after Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Chile that his job could come under pressure.

However, Perez said that the federation would wait until after Spain's final game against Australia to discuss Del Bosque's future.

“We still haven't spoken with Del Bosque, it's better to put a bit of distance between us and wait and then speak calmly in Madrid,” he said.

“His family might convince him to leave, but we aren't going to find anyone better.”

Del Bosque was also criticised for selecting Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made crucial errors in both games as Spain conceded seven goals, while scoring just one.

But Perez's public backing paves the way for Del Bosque to remain as head coach as Spain attempt to win a third successive European Championship title in 2016.

BBC SPORT