Modest Del Bosque gives Real players all the credit

Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque heaped praise on his team but was typically modest about his own contribution after a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao gave them a 29th league title on Sunday.

"The team has made an extraordinary effort throughout this season and we're delighted at winning a 29th title," Del Bosque told radio station Onda Cero.

"What with the Champions League, the (King's) Cup and international matches it has been a very long and a very hard season."

"I'm just glad to have done my little bit, but the people who should get the real praise are the players."

Real clinched the title thanks to a well-taken double from World and European Player of the Year Ronaldo and a thunderous free kick from Roberto Carlos.

"The early goal gave us a great start," Del Bosque said at a news conference. "But Bilbao then began to gain the upper hand and it was only after Roberto Carlos's goal at the very end of the half that we began to relax a little."

The victory was another triumph for the unassuming 52-year-old, who has now guided his team to two league titles and two European Cups since he took charge in November 1999.

He gave special thanks to the squad players who had not featured in the final game, but had played a part in the side's victorious season.

"It is a good time to remember all those players who have not played as much as they would have liked," he said. "They have also been very important in this triumph."

He also had words of congratulation for two-goal hero Ronaldo, who claimed the first league title of his career.

"We're talking about the best player in the world," said Del Bosque. "He has proved that and has helped us become the best team."

Del Bosque's contract with the club finishes at the end of the season and Real have not yet confirmed that he will continue as coach.