Outgoing Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has revealed his relationship with goalkeeper Iker Casillas was “so so” during the European Championship.
Del Bosque, 65, announced on Thursday he would be stepping down after seeing his side eliminated from Euro 2016 at the last-16 stage by Italy.
He guided Spain to success in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 during his eight-year spell and sent most members of the current squad a message of thanks after announcing his departure.
The one omission, Del Bosque conceded, was former Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas, who sat on the bench throughout the tournament in France as David de Gea started each game.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Del Bosque said of Casillas’ attitude: “With his teammates he has been fine, correct, but with the coaching staff it is so so.
“That is why the only player I did not send a message to has been Casillas.
“He feels bad with me, but also with [physical trainer] Javier Minano or [assistant coach] Toni Grande. With everyone else he has been fine. The anger has been with us.”
Also read: Del Bosque fails to banish World Cup ghosts at Euros
Casillas was captain as Spain won the World Cup six years ago, while the 35-year-old keeper also guided his country to back-to-back European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012.
“For sure he is hurting or displeased with me and I understand that,” Del Bosque said. “He thinks we have done the wrong thing.
“But we have to be proud of a player who has 167 games with the national team. I don’t believe three or four games will hurt his resume.
“Casillas hasn’t disappointed me. I have a great appreciation for him. I have known him since he was nine years old.”
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