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The national team coach of Spain, Inaki Saezas, has received the support of the Spanish Football Federation and will continue to remain in the position of the head coach of the national team.
Doubts about this coach's work arose after Spain failed to reach the quarterfinals of the European Championship, losing 1-0 to the tournament host Portugal in the last group match. Although a draw would have been enough for Spain in that match, Saezas' men failed to achieve it. The coach himself, who extended his contract with the federation until 2006 before the start of the tournament, is inclined to continue leading the national team.
"Saezas has a contract with the federation and will remain in the position of coach," said Angel Maria Villaras, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), to journalists.
The Sunday defeat to Portugal, which led to Spain's elimination from the tournament, only added to the series of failures that have plagued Spain.
"The fault lies not with our defense, but with our offense," commented Saezas on the team's performance. "The lack of goals led to our elimination from the championship. We just couldn't capitalize on the opportunities we had plenty of." Asked about his future with the national team, a disappointed Saezas replied: "I don't think now is the right time to talk about it."
Spain's national team striker Raul Gonzalez was one of the first to come out in support of Saezas. "We are very disappointed that we failed to achieve our minimum goal - the quarterfinals. All the players support him," said the Real Madrid forward, who failed to score a goal in the European Championship.
