Contract renewal will boost Spain at Euro 2004 - Saez

Spain coach Inaki Saez says his decision to accept a two-year contract extension will give his squad a huge boost before Euro 2004.

"I think it is the perfect time to announce that I will be staying on because it will give the team renewed confidence and could improve their performance in the tournament," he said on Monday.

"Anyone who is involved in football knows that is important for a team to know that the coach will remain in charge. It is good for me, good for the players and good for everyone connected with the national team."

Saez, who will lead Spain through to the 2006 World Cup, was offered a contract extension when his side qualified for Euro 2004 after a playoff against Norway but the former national youth coach said he wanted to see how his players responded before signing it.

"You can't do this job without the support of the players," he said. "But the response of the players has been fantastic and now my task is to win over anyone outside who doubts the wisdom of my decision."

"There will always be disagreements about when you should renew a coach's contract, but they will only act as a stimulus to continue with my work."

Saez said the spirit in his 23-man squad was excellent and that the team could hardly wait to play in the tournament which gets underway on June 12 in Portugal.

"The atmosphere is fantastic," he said. "All the players are very keen and they are right behind me. Now it is up to me to get the maximum out of this group of players and bring the success we all want from the Spanish national team."

Spain, who have lost just one of 19 games since Saez took charge two years ago, have been drawn with hosts Portugal, Greece and Russia in Group A.