Vicente del Bosque has labelled Pep Guardiola a “fine example of a Spanish coach”.

The former Barcelona boss is currently enjoying a 12-month sabbatical from the game after leaving Camp Nou last summer, following a silverware-laden four years at the club and the Spain trainer lavished praise on the sought after coach.

“He [Guardiola] has what a coach should have, and is a fine example of a Spanish coach,” lauded the Euro 2012 winner to AS.

“He had a well developed sporting strategy, good relationships with everyone and was a pleasant guy. He has earned the right to decide where he goes next.

“Coaches have the duty to set an example, because what they do is more important than what they say.”

The former Real Madrid boss then cast his opinion over los Blancos‘ current boss, Jose Mourinho, and extended his sympathy to the Portuguese.

“Of course it’s difficult to be the coach of Madrid. Every decision you make is debated,” Del Bosque continued. “We are living in an extreme world, where radical behaviour receives the most coverage. Normality doesn’t sell.

“Still, it is difficult for a team without good relations to have success. Respect is earned every day. There are too many examples of authoritarian coaches who have failed, and who the players would rather forget.”