Madrid, May 27 (IANS): Spain's national football team coach Vicente del Bosque said that ousted Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti "left his mark on Spanish football" and the possible replacement Rafael Benitez is "one of the world's greatest managers".

Del Bosque was asked thrice about Real Madrid after announcing La Roja squad on Tuesday for the upcoming games against Costa Rica and Belarus, reports Efe.

"Both on a professional and personal level, Ancelotti has been a man that has left his mark on Spanish football. It's something that the club has decided, I am the least qualified to do so," he said, without assessing the dismissal.

Regarding Benitez, who used to be del Bosque's assistant at Real Madrid at the start of his career, he said "that's not a decision for me to take, but Rafa is one of the world's greatest managers".

The Spanish coach did not indulge in questions about Real Madrid's interest in David de Gea, Manchester United's goalkeeper, or any possible problem that might come about if he were to join the team, whose nets are guarded by Iker Casillas.

"It's Real Madrid's decision whether or not to sign David de Gea," del Bosque said.