Retiring Aragones calls for Spanish continuity
Monday, 30 Jun 2008 11:52
Luis Aragones hoping for great things from Euro 2008 winners Spain
Retiring Spain coach Luis Aragones has urged his successor to continue his policy of allowing the players to express themselves with freedom on the pitch.
The Euro 2008 winners have earned plaudits across the continent for their expansive brand of passing, attacking football, especially when contrasted against the negative approaches of a number of other leading contenders at the tournament.
And Aragones is keen for his philosophy of freeing up attacking midfielders like Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas to continue under whoever takes over from him.
"I said if we manage this group well, we will be champions. They are so good. I hope Spain will go on in this way," Aragones commented after his side's 1-0 win over Germany saw them crowned European champions in Vienna.
"The only thing I have to say to the manager who comes after me is to please treat [the players] well and let them do their jobs.
"I have the mental strength to do it, but others may not have it."