Madrid, June 24: Real Madrid has fired coach Vicente Del Bosque, a day after he led the team to its 29th Spanish League title.
The Spanish powerhouse also said it would not renew captain Fernando Hierro's contract. "The team needs to renew itself", athletic director Jorge Valdano said. "Therefore we on the board arrived at the idea that it is time to change course". Valdano refused to talk about a replacement for the coach. Del Bosque said he had no hard feelings toward the team and denied suggestions that his sacking was a personality issue.

"I don't think anyone could have a phobia so big that some issue they didn't like could lead to a change in the team's direction", he said. "Right now I have no animosity towards anyone".

Del Bosque's contract was due to run out at the end of this month after four seasons as head coach. The 35-year-old Hierro, who was criticised this year for playing poorly, also was to finish his contract at the end of the month.

A poll published monday afternoon on the newspaper El Mundo's web site said 90 per cent of respondents wanted Del Bosque to stay.

Valdano said the decision to let go of a coach with a solid record was risky but necessary in the interest of what he called "a new cycle".

"Yes, there was success", Valdano said. "But when we feel it is time to act, it is our obligation to act".

Bureau Report