Luis Enrique is out as coach of Spain. The move comes less than a month after he labeled himself the best coach in the world. The Royal Spanish Football Federation announced the decision following the upset World Cup knockout loss to Morocco on Tuesday.
“The RFEF wants to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff,” said the governing body for this sport in Spain.
“The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should be started for the Spanish team, with the aim of continuing with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and his collaborators.”
“Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, José Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.”
Luis Enrique leaves Spain after a hot start to the World Cup
Spain began the 2022 World Cup with a dominating 7-0 victory against Costa Rica. However, the world powerhouse then drew Germany and suffered a loss to Japan in the final group game. Spain narrowly qualified for the knockout phase on goal difference.
The turning point came when Morocco eliminated them from the competition. Spain could not break the African defense and did not score during the entire match. Morocco then won the game on penalties 3-0.
Although his contract expired at the end of the year, Enrique has left the team early.
Penalties have not treated the coach well
Enrique had been in charge since 2018, which included a brief departure from the team for personal reasons. The former Barcelona manager led Spain to the Euro 2020 semifinals, but lost on penalties to eventual champions Italy.
Former Spanish youth coach Luis de la Fuente has been named as Enrique’s successor. De la Fuente has previously coached Spain’s under-19s, under-21s and under-23s since 2013.
PHOTO: IMAGO/Xinhua
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