DOHA: Luis Enrique has been sacked Spain coach on Thursday following the team’s elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup with national under-21 coach Luis de la Fuente named to replace him with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Spain were beaten on penalties by Morocco after a goalless draw on Tuesday in an upset result after failing to turn their dominance into victory.
“The RFEF have chosen Luis de la Fuente as their new (Spain) coach,” the RFEF said in a statement.
“The … RFEF presented the President with a report in which it determined that a new project should start for the Spanish national team, with the aim of continuing the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique (and staff).
“RFEF President Luis Rubiales and Sporting Director Jose Francisco Molina have informed Luis Enrique of the decision. The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff for the work they have done in recent years.”
The 52-year-old said after the game against Morocco that he was responsible for the defeat. Luis Enrique, who was first appointed Spain manager in 2018, had a contract until the end of the year.
He is the fourth manager to be sacked after their teams were eliminated at the World Cup in Qatar.
De la Fuente, 61, joined the RFEF in 2013 as Under-15 manager after working with the likes of Marco Asensio, goalkeeper Unai Simon, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Pedri, Carlos Soler and Dani Olmo when they were young.
Spain were beaten on penalties by Morocco after a goalless draw on Tuesday in an upset result after failing to turn their dominance into victory.
“The RFEF have chosen Luis de la Fuente as their new (Spain) coach,” the RFEF said in a statement.
“The … RFEF presented the President with a report in which it determined that a new project should start for the Spanish national team, with the aim of continuing the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique (and staff).
“RFEF President Luis Rubiales and Sporting Director Jose Francisco Molina have informed Luis Enrique of the decision. The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff for the work they have done in recent years.”
The 52-year-old said after the game against Morocco that he was responsible for the defeat. Luis Enrique, who was first appointed Spain manager in 2018, had a contract until the end of the year.
He is the fourth manager to be sacked after their teams were eliminated at the World Cup in Qatar.
De la Fuente, 61, joined the RFEF in 2013 as Under-15 manager after working with the likes of Marco Asensio, goalkeeper Unai Simon, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Pedri, Carlos Soler and Dani Olmo when they were young.
