Aragonés, 66, is three months into his new role as national coach after taking over the reigns from Iñaki Sáez following Spain's disappointing showing at Euro 2004.

Known by many in Spain as the 'The Wise Sage of Horteleza' he is one of the most experienced coaches in the game.

Having managed numerous clubs, including Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid a remarkable six times, he is now been handed the task of realising the huge potential of the national team.

Spain have only ever won one major international championship - the 1964 European Nations Cup - and their record of never having reached the semi-finals of the World Cup is not something which does justice to some of the players they have had at their disposal.

"Historically, Spain have not done anything," he said. "We have spent the last twelve years getting to the finals of the European Championship or the World Cup - usually with difficulty and that has been the story. We have a lot to improve."

The much talked-about failure of the Spanish side is a result of many factors, the most publicised being the long-standing rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona factions within the squad. 

However Aragonés recognises that issue as being part of a larger problem. "There are many things to be considered", he says.

"Spain is not a nationalistic country - Real Madrid or Barcelona come before the national team and that has to change," he said.

"Also the press have a tendency to make out that we are the best team in the world and we are not, the history books show that. In three or four years, we may have a potent side but not before then - the players that are coming up need that time to gain experience."

It is without question that in the past Spain has been blessed with hugely talented players and Aragonés believes that in order to see their potential turned into success, it will require strength, hard work, discipline and concentration.

"Representing your country is the highest accolade a player can achieve and a player who comes into this side must understand that he has to give everything of himself - all of his technical ability, intelligence, physical strength, determination, mental strength and concentration," said the coach.

"We have a lot of talented, sharp-minded players but because of their age they are not ready for the senior side yet.

"For example, Andrés Iniesta struggles in the physical aspects of the game - he does not play the full 90 minutes but comes on for the last 20 minutes when the opponents are starting to tire.

"Our shorter players need to know how to deal with taller opponents, if they cannot match them physically then they should beat them mentally, thinking quicker."

Spain have got off to a sluggish start in their World Cup qualifying campaign, drawing with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Lithuania, but a 2-0 home win over Belgium has put Spain decent position in Group 7.

For Aragonés to realise his dream of seeing Spain win a major international tournament, there is however a great deal to do: "My aim is to put Spain among the top five teams in the world - we have to keep on learning, to make sure that talented players are constantly emerging.

"In the years to come, our environment needs to change - I would like to see the Spanish people united behind the national team because if that does not happen, then it will be very difficult for us to do anything important."

Luis Aragonés Suarez
Born: Madrid, 28 July 1938
International career: 11 caps, 3 goals
Debut: v Scotland, Glasgow, 08 May 1965
Last cap: v Hungary, Madrid, 12 January 1972
Goals: v France, Lyon, 17 October 1968; v Greece, Zaragoza, 28 October 1970; v Northern Ireland, Seville, 11 November 1970

Managerial Career
Atletico Madrid 1974-78
Atletico Madrid 1979-80
Real Betis 1981-81
Atletico Madrid 1982-86
Atletico Madrid 1987
Barcelona 1987-88
Espanyol 1990-91
Atletico Madrid 1991-93
Sevilla 1993-95
Valencia 1995-97
Betis 1997-98
Oviedo 1998-00
Real Mallorca 2000-01
Atletico Madrid 2001-03
Real Mallorca 2003-04
Spain 2004-