Del Bosque has Spain concerns as Real-Barca conflict intensifies

Apr 29, 2011, 11:57 GMT

Madrid - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said on Friday he was worried that the deepening conflict between Real Madrid and Barcelona might affect the ambience within the national team.

'We have a problem,' said Del Bosque.

According to sports daily Marca, the Spain coach then talked, off the record, about the 'possible damage' being done to the national team by the bitter conflict between the twin giants.

There are eight Barca players and four Real players in Del Bosque's Spain squad, and the manager is clearly concerned as to how this conflict might damage the harmony within the world champions that he, and predessor Luis Aragones, worked so hard to build up.

Barcelona beat Real 2-0 in the Champions League semi-finals in which two players were sent off and Real coach Jose Mourinho ordered to the stands. Mourinho later alleged that Barca received preferential treatment.

Both clubs and Mourinho are under investigation by the ruling body UEFA. They meet again - for the fourth time overall in 18 days - for the return leg in Barcelona on Tuesday.

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