Luis Enrique has stepped down as head coach of Spain’s senior men’s national team after their exit in the round of 16 of Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The 2010 World Cup winners lost 3-0 to Morocco on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended goalless.
And following the team’s ouster, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced that Enrique will no longer be in charge of the national team.
“The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the national team in recent years.
“The 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 coaching crew. Both the president, Luis Rubiales and the sports director, José Francisco Molina have informed 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.
“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 in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home.”
Enrique represented Spain in three FIFA World Cups: USA 1994, France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002.