© EuroFootball.com
Captain and Spanish national team defender David Albelda stated that only changing the head coach of the national team, Luis Aragones, will not bring impressive victories to his country.
L. Aragones received a lot of criticism after the shocking 3-2 defeat against Northern Ireland in the Euro 2008 qualifiers on September 6, but he had been criticized even after the disappointing performance in the World Cup two months ago.
The 68-year-old coach, who was involved in a scandal a few years ago for racially insulting "Arsenal" star Thierry Henry, offered to resign last week, but changed his decision after the Spanish Football Federation did not accept his resignation.
"Whether Luis Aragones leads the team or not, it will still be extremely difficult for us to achieve something, because the team is not united. Rather, it's even disunited," said D. Albelda, who has represented the Spanish national team 38 times.
"Now people demand changes in players: Carlos Marchena, Juanito, Michel Salgado, Raul, and me. It seems like we are the most guilty for the failure in the World Cup, although we didn't play much," continued the defender.
Spain only qualified for the World Cup after extra playoff matches, and later were eliminated in the second round, losing to France.
"Spain could have a strong team, as it has great players," added the Spaniard. "But it's very hard for each player, as we receive immense pressure from the environment."
"Players and fans no longer expect too much," said the "Valencia" star. "Fans expect more from their clubs, as well as the players."
Spain will play their Euro 2008 qualifier away match against the group F leaders, Sweden, on October 7th.
