Spain at the peak of their powers, says Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has suggested that the side have reached their pinnacle as a power in the footballing world.

Del Bosque guided the squad to the final of Euro 2012 last year, which they won 4-0 against Italy, and that triumph has seen him nominated for the Ballon d’Or on Monday.

Spain have won the last three major tournaments they have taken part in, and Del Bosque hopes that the nation can overcome their obstacles in the future to stay at the very top of the sport.

“Well I guess it’s a matter of pride,” he said. “I think our country has hit the pinnacle of what is possible now. We have to prepare for the future and the next competition.

“Football is a permanent challenge.”

Pep Guardiola – a fellow Spaniard – has also been nominated for the 2012 accolade, alongside Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, and Del Bosque believes that is a sign of success for Spain.

“Well we’re very happy that we have two Spanish coaches here, this means the training of coaches in Spain is good,” he said.

“We went to see how coaches are being trained in other countries.”

Mourinho decided not to attend the Ballon d’Or due to a strained relationship with his players and not believing he would win, and Del Bosque backed the Real Madrid boss to do as he pleased.

“(That) is a personal choice. He has a big game on Wednesday so that has justified his absence,” he said.