Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Angel Maria Villar has defended the decision to allow Vicente del Bosque to continue in charge of the Spanish national team.

Del Bosque announced last week that he and the RFEF had agreed he would see out the final two years of his contract and lead Spain into Euro 2016, in spite of the team’s disappointing showing at the World Cup.

Speaking at the announcement of the fixtures for the next season, Villar gave his complete backing to Del Bosque and insisted the future of Spanish football was bright.

He said: “There was no need for me or anyone to ratify Del Bosque because there was nothing to ratify. Del Bosque is patrimony of Spanish football, the best ambassador we have.”

Villar did not hide his disappointment at Spain’s performances in Brazil, but emphasised there “were no reasons to be disheartened” about the national team.

“We’re back in the situation of wanting to win but not being able to achieve success,” he said.

“It’s an irrefutable fact that we cannot hide – we went there to win the trophy. But that doesn’t mean we have lost credit, because it’s very difficult to do. Since the World Cup began only eight countries have won it.”

Spain have slipped down to eighth place in the world rankings following the World Cup, but Villar stressed: “Those who think difficult times are upon us are wrong.”