Del Bosque urges stars to end conflict

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that tension exists between defenders Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique.

As the European champions continue preparations for Euro 2012, the duo’s relationship has soured after a number of heated encounters between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the national-team boss has called on the centre-back pairing to cast their differences aside ahead of this summer’s tournament.

“If they don’t get on well then they will just have to get on, because on the pitch is where they have to get on well,” Del Bosque told ONA FM.

“They are young and have their differences but in the end they are just two excellent lads and I am sure there will be no problem.

“They have already played together and there have been episodes in the past. The main thing is that they both have a good heart and that’s all.”

Spain kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Italy on June 10, before taking on Republic of Ireland four days later, and then Croatia on June 18.