Luis Enrique has been fired from his role as Spain head coach following their early exit from the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Spain, regarded as one of the favourites, crashed out of the tournament in the round of 16 on Tuesday following a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco.
The Spanish federation confirmed the former Barcelona manager’s exit in an official statement today.
“The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years,” the statement reads.
“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 his collaborators.
“Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, José Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.”
Enrique, 52, took up the role after the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and led Spain to the semi-finals of the European Championships last year, where they lost on penalties to eventual champions Italy.
“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 statement adds.
“Luis Enrique qualified for two Final Four of the UEFA Nations League, of the three he played as coach; and he reached the semifinals of Euro 2020 with his own stamp and through a defined style. He opted for young talent and has sown hope for the future of the Spanish team.
“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.”
Enrique had 62 caps for Spain as a midfielder between 1991 and 2002, and played for Barcelona, whom he later coached to LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles.
