Del Bosque: No splits in Spain camp
Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has calmed fears the World Champions’ dressing room could be divided at Euro 2012 due to the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Twelve of Del Bosque’s 23-man squad play for either Madrid or Barca and, after an acrimonious end to the 2010/11 season between the two as they clashed four times in less than two weeks, there had been fears that animosity could affect the national team.
But there were no obvious signs of tension this season and Del Bosque feels relations have improved.
He told ONA FM: “I think the atmosphere between the players of Real Madrid and Barcelona is fine. They have had an experience that has brought them together in harmony.
“I think that those that have won have been generous in victory and those that have lost have acted properly in defeat. I am very pleased that everything has gone well.”
Barca’s Gerard Pique and Madrid’s Sergio Ramos are due to play together in central defence when the Spanish kick-off the defence of their European crown against Italy on June 10.
Del Bosque recognises the two have not always seen eye to eye in the past, but is convinced personal relationships will not affect their performance.
“Even if they don’t get on well, we would bring them, because it is on the field where they have to get on well,” he said.
“They are two young men with their disagreements but in the end they are two excellent guys and I am sure there will be no problem.
“They have played together and they are episodes that have passed. The most important thing is that they have good hearts and nothing else.”
