Vicente del Bosque has claimed that "poison from the outside" harmed his Spain squad in their last two international tournaments.

Del Bosque led Spain to World Cup and European Championship glory in his first two major tournaments, but could not prevent La Roja from exiting in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup on Brazilian soil.

Spain also exited Euro 2016 in the round of 16 and Del Bosque, who left his role after the tournament in France, has said that the 'dressing room was disturbed' by outside influences.

"There was poison from the outside which disturbed the dressing room," said Del Bosque after being made an honorary member of the University of Salamanca's alumni association.

Julen Lopetegui has since taken control of the national team, who travel to Albania in their third 2018 World Cup qualification match tonight.