For Luis Enrique, elimination was therefore synonymous with the end of the course. After the defeat of the Spanish selection after 120 minutes and a penalty shootout against a valiant Moroccan team (0-0, 3-0 pens), this Tuesday in the round of 16 of the World Cup , the Iberian federation announced on Thursday that its coach was dismissed.
“The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire team of coaches for their work at the head of the senior national team in recent years, writes the federation in a press release. The sports management of the RFEF submitted a report to the president indicating that a new project should be launched for the Spanish national football team, with the aim of continuing the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and his crew. »
A predictable outcome, while Luis Enrique, 52, was the subject of strong criticism following the elimination of his family from the public and the Spanish press and Shortly after the announcement of Enrique’s departure, the Spanish federation announced the name, expected, of its replacement. This is Luis de la Fuente, who was in charge of the U21s of the Roja so far. The name of De la Fuente had grown in recent hours in the Spanish media which had identified two other candidates: Marcelino and Roberto Martinez, who recently resigned from his post at the head of the Belgian selection.
Appointed in 2019, Luis Enrique led 39 games in charge of the Roja, for 21 victories. Among his main achievements, a semi-final at Euro 2021, lost to Italy on penalties, and a League of Nations final in stride, lost to France Karim Benzema.
“The Asturian coach has managed to give new impetus to the national team since his arrival in 2018, through a deep renovation that has consolidated a generational change in the team and in Spanish football, with his own mark and grace to a defined style, welcomes the Spanish federation. He trusted young talent and gave hope for the future of the Spanish national team. »