Luis Enrique leaves Spain role after World Cup exit

 

 

After Spain was eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco in the round of 16, Luis Enrique resigned as manager of the national team.

After taking over in 2018, the 52-year-old led Spain to the Euro 2020 semifinals, where they were defeated by Italy.

 

“We would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff,” said the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

 

Luis de la Fuente, the coach of Spain’s Under-21 team, has been suggested for the position; however, the board, which meets on Monday, must ratify his recruitment.

Spain defeated Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening group game in Qatar, but after drawing 1-1 with Germany and losing 2-1 to Japan, critics criticized their possession-based style of play as “boring” football.

They were then knocked out of the tournament on penalties by Morocco, after a goalless 120 minutes.

 

In their phase of dominance between 2008 and 2012, when they won two consecutive European Championships either side of their first World Cup, Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque garnered praise for their style and helped Spain establish themselves as the top nation in the world.

But after being named European champions in 2012, they have yet to take home a significant trophy. And after their victory in the 2010 World Cup, they haven’t advanced past the round of 16.

Luis Enrique’s most successful time as manager at club level came with Barcelona. He led them to two La Liga championships, three Copa del Reys, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup between 2014 and 2017. He also won the Champions League during that time.