Aragones considers position after offer to go rejected

MADRID, Sep 11 (Reuters) Luis Aragones is considering his position as Spain coach after offering to resign at a meeting with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) today.

''Luis came to the meeting with the idea that he was going to resign, but the president has rejected it, and said that we have absolute confidence in him,'' Jorge Carretero, a spokesman for the RFEF, told a news conference.

''Luis has asked for a couple of days to think over his final decision.'' A press campaign for Aragones to go started up after Spain's 3-2 capitulation to Northern Ireland in the Euro 2008 qualifiers last Wednesday.

This setback came two months after a disappointing second round exit from the World Cup in Germany.

''A few months ago everyone was convinced that he was the ideal person for the job,'' Carretero said.

''All that has happened is that we have lost a game to Northern Ireland, but this is football and we always have controversy. The sudden change in opinion is lamentable.

''He has our support and he's always had it, but it is up to him now. We have told him we are pleased with his work but if he decides to go we will have to accept it.'' Aragones took over as Spain coach from Inaki Saez in July 2004.

Before the World Cup he said he would step down if Spain did not reach the quarter-finals, but he reversed his decision after the tournament.

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