greenblack
24.06.03, 09:04
Del Bosque and Hierro axed
Real Madrid have sacked coach Vicente del Bosque and veteran defender
Fernando Hierro less than 24 hours after clinching their 29th Spanish title.
Reports in Spain are linking Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, currently No 2
to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, with the now vacant Bernabeu
hotseat.
NEWS: Rijkaard confirmed as new Barça boss
Wenger: Real got Becks on the cheap
"The board of directors made a unanimous decision not to renew Vicente del
Bosque's contract as the first team coach of Real Madrid," a club spokesman
told a news conference on Monday.
"The board considered that the team needs a change in accordance with recent
developments at the club. We would like to express our thanks to Vicente del
Bosque for all he has done for the club."
Sporting director Jorge Valdano also announced that club captain Fernando
Hierro, whose contract expires at the end of June, would not be offered a new
deal.
Del Bosque took charge of Real Madrid after the sacking of John Toshack in
November 1999. In his four seasons in charge he has steered the club to two
European Cups, two domestic league titles, a European Super Cup and a World
Club Cup.
English champions Manchester United will surely be alerted by reports on
radio Marca that Madrid have lined up Queiroz as their new boss.
Meanwhile, Arsenal supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that
Gunners coach Arsene Wenger keeps to his word and sees out the remaining two
years on his contract.
Wenger reportedly held a meeting with Madrid officials, including Valdano, at
Orly airport earlier this month. The Frenchman has since dismissed these
claims, but it is believed that he has become increasingly frustrated by the
lack of funds available for new signings at Arsenal.
Ale numer!!!