The president of Spanish Football Federation has denied reports that Luis Aragones wants to resign his post as coach of the national side amid the disciplinary investigation into his behaviour.
“Luis Aragones is really enthusiastic about the job, even more so than the day when he started,” Federation president Angel Maria Villar told the Cope radio station.
“He is working hard and wants to remain as coach of the national team and we are all hoping that he will lead the team to qualification for the 2006 World Cup.”
Aragones has been the subject of intense meida scrutiny since making disparaging remarks about Thierry Henry. The 66-year-old refereed to the France striker as a “black shit” when speaking to his Arsenal team mate Jose Antonio Reyes during a training session ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Belgium.
Aragones caused further controversy when he criticised English jourtnalists on the eve of November’s friendly international against England – a game which was marred by racist abuse and chanting directed at black England players by large sections of the crowd.
The Spanish Federation opened proceedings into Aragones’s behaviour in December with the coach appearing before the commission on Tuesday.
“The judge just asked me questions,” said Aragones.
“I am not allowed to give any details about what was said, but all I asked was that he should be as fair as possible with me and that the investigation should be completed quickly.”
