2 min to read
Posted on

After Spain’s early World Cup exit: Head coach Luis Enrique must go

After Spain’s surprising World Cup exit in the round of 16 against Morocco, Luis Enrique may no longer continue as national coach.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Thursday that Enrique’s contract, which expires at the end of the year, would not be renewed, thus drawing the conclusion from the World Cup debacle. After a nerve-wracking nil-nil and extra time, title candidates Spain were defeated by Morocco in a penalty shoot-out.

The new head coach will be the former U21 coach Luis de la Fuente. Enrique bid farewell to the players in a heartfelt letter – saying “Vamos España! Hasta siempre. Gracias!” (“Let’s go Spain! Forever. Thank you!”).

“Gracias por todo “

He thanked the RFEF federation, the staff, his coaching staff and the fans at length, at least outwardly, without rancour. The national team now needs everyone’s support to ensure Luis de la Fuente achieves what he sets out to do.

“The players were role models in their behaviour and followed our idea of the game. I regret that I could not help them any more,” said the 52-year-old about his team, which was eliminated in the round of 16 against Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar.

In the evening, the association announced that Albert Luque would become the new sports director of the national team after José Francisco Molina did not renew his contract. The 44-year-old former striker once played 17 caps for La Roja.

By Julia