Del Bosque: Coaches should be the example

FIFA’s 2012 Best Coach, Spanish national team manager Vicente del Bosque, has told reporters he expects all coaches to set “an example”.

• Jason Pettigrove    Follow @jasonpettigrove

In acknowledging that “permanent conflict and a lack of common sense” was what seemed to be most interesting to everyone, he explained it was every coaches’ duty to set an example and not spend “all day being angry”.

“They have the duty to set an example, because what they do is more important than what they say. They need to have solid criteria, but at the same time be flexible. A coach should create a harmonious atmosphere” he said.

Reflecting his own values, he continued: “A coach should be honourable and trustworthy, because that is what gains the trust of the players. Respect is earned every day. There are too many examples of authoritarian coaches who have failed, and who the players would rather forget”.

“It is difficult for a team without good relations to have success. It is vital that they are united both on and off the pitch. We are living in an extreme world, where radical behaviour receives the most coverage. Normality doesn’t sell. At the moment the national team is experiencing a peaceful time, which is great, but what sells is fuss and bother, permanent conflict and a lack of common sense”.

The World Cup winning coach also spoke about his rivals for the best coach award. “Guardiola is a fine example of a Spanish coach. He has what a coach should have. He had a well developed sporting strategy, good relationships with everyone and was a pleasant guy. He has earned the right to decide where he goes next”.

With a hint of irony, he said of Jose Mourinho: “Of course it’s difficult to be the coach of Madrid. Every decision you take is debated. Madrid’s coach is never bored”.