Del Bosque’s mea culpa over Spain’s defeats

Coach Vicente del Bosque admitted Monday he was “probably” the main guilty partner in Spain’s two friendly defeats to Argentina and Portugal this autumn.

Del Bosque’s World Cup winners came unstuck 4-1 to Argentina in September and then suffered a 4-0 embarrassment at the hands of their Iberian neighbours last Wednesday.

“The main guilty person, it’s probably me. I don’t say that to come across as a martyr but because I couldn’t find the necessary motivation for the players,” the Spaniard said here Monday.

Speaking at the launch of a book, “The Del Bosque method,” written by journalist Joaquin Maqroto, he added: “We’ve had two serious warnings in two international matches which don’t supply points or prestige.”

Del Bosque suggested the status of world champions “imposes more responsibility” on a team such as Spain.

The Spanish press slammed their national team over its “worst match” in years against Portugal in Lisbon.

“Was this the Reds?” the sports newspaper Marca asked of the World Cup winners.

“Death blow” by Portugal, said its rival AS.

Despite these twin defeats to Argentina and Portugal Spain can nevertheless take comfort from the fact that when they resume qualifying for Euro 2012 next year the defending European champions will do so as leaders of Group I after a maximum return from their opening three fixtures.