Vicente del Bosque, the celebrated manager who led Spain to victory in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, has shared his positive outlook on the national team’s future. In a recent conversation, he reflected on the historic 2010 win, discussed the potential of the current squad, and shared memories from his remarkable career.
Del Bosque believes Spain has a good chance to win the World Cup again in 2026. While he advises against being overconfident, he sees great potential in the team’s talent and style of play. He notes that the current team is different from his champion squad but is just as capable, highlighting the individual skill of wingers like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal as a key strength.
🏆 Looking Back at 2010 Glory
Recalling the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Del Bosque described every match as difficult, with close results proving how tough the competition was. He pointed to the group stage match against Chile and the knockout game against Paraguay as particularly challenging due to their intense pressure. When asked about managing a team of superstars from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, he explained that his approach was simple: treat everyone with respect while making decisions based on what was best for the team. This fairness, he believes, was well-accepted by the players.
🌱 Hopes for the New Generation
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Del Bosque is optimistic. “I think we are on the way to that,” he said, referring to another potential championship. He acknowledges that the current team has a different style but is rich in talent, especially in midfield with players like Rodri, Mikel Merino, and Fabian Ruiz. He emphasized that the biggest difference is the presence of dynamic wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who bring exceptional individual ability to the team.
🤔 Reflections on Key Players
Del Bosque also spoke fondly of the players who were central to his success. He remembered the controversy around playing both Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso in midfield, explaining that it was mostly fueled by club rivalries. He stood by his decision, calling them two of the most important and effective players who always thought about the team first. He also expressed pride in seeing many of his former players, such as Xavi, Xabi Alonso, and Cesc Fabregas, become successful managers, trusting them to develop their own unique coaching styles.
📺 A Manager’s Life After Football
Now retired from coaching, Del Bosque enjoys watching football as a fan. He follows his former clubs, Real Madrid and Besiktas, but prefers not to comment on them publicly out of respect. He shared a fond memory of his time in Istanbul with Besiktas, where he and his family had a wonderful experience. These days, he watches matches by himself and feels no nostalgia or desire to be on the sidelines again, simply enjoying the game for the entertainment it brings.
