Luis Enrique has stepped down as Spain head coach following La Roja’s last-16 ouster at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Spain began Qatar 2022 with a convincing 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica before being forced to a 1-1 draw by Germany in their second group game, and four points were sufficient to progress to the first knockout stage despite faling to a shock 2-1 loss to Japan in their final group fixture.
Spain battled Morocco in the round of 16 on Tuesday and the two teams could not be separated in 120 minutes of football, but Morocco qualified to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 3-0 penalty-shootout success
Faced with the early exit and with Enrique’s contract with Spain was only due to run until the end of December, the Spanish football federation has now stated that the 52-year-old has left his role with the 2010 world champions.
“The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish Soccer Team, with the aim of continuing with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators,” read a statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
“Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.
“The Asturian coach managed to give a new impetus to the national team since his arrival, in 2018, through a profound renovation that has consolidated a generational change in the team and in Spanish football.
“The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects.
“The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home.”
