Saez also makes way

Inaki Saez resigned as Spain coach on Friday despite vowing to stay after the team tumbled early out of Euro 2004.

8220;I have explained to the board of the Spanish football federation the motives that have led me to take an irrevocable decision not to train the Spanish team,8221; Saez told journalists after leaving a board meeting.

Saez promised earlier this week to take his team to the next World Cup in Germany in 2006 but changed his mind after he was savaged by the media for his decision.

The Spanish press called for him to leave after a performance that only reinforced Spain8217;s two-decade-long reputation for disappointing at international tournaments.