Aragones decides to continue as Spain coach

Luis Aragones has changed his mind and decided to stay on as Spain coach after having had his earlier offer to resign rejected by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

"After thinking about it I have decided to continue," Aragones was quoted as saying yesterday.

Aragones met with the federation yesterday and offered his resignation after a press campaign called for his head following Spain's 3-2 capitulation to Northern Ireland in the Euro 2008 qualifiers last Wednesday.

That setback came two months after a disappointing second round exit from the World Cup in Germany.

"Luis came to the meeting with the idea that he was going to resign, but the president has rejected it, and said that we have absolute confidence in him," Jorge Carretero, a spokesman for the RFEF, said.

"A few months ago everyone was convinced that he was the ideal person for the job. All that has happened is that we have lost a game to Northern Ireland. The sudden change in opinion is lamentable.

"He has our support and he's always had it, but it is up to him now. We have told him we are pleased with his work but if he decides to go we will have to accept it."

Aragones took over as Spain coach from Inaki Saez in July 2004.