Luis Enrique leaves Spain national team after World Cup 2022 Ro16 exit

Luis Enrique has been replaced as the head coach of the Spanish national team. The decision has been made official by the RFEF, and Enrique has been replaced by Luis de la Fuente. The 61-year-old has won the Euros with Spain’s youth teams, and was the man who guided the country to the silver medal at the 2020 Olympics. 

He has stepped in to take charge of the senior team on one occasion, and has now been appointed the long-term manager. Luis Enrique’s contract was set to run out after the World Cup, and he refused to sign an extension until after the tournament. 

Luis Enrique leaves Spanish national team 

Spain exited the World Cup at the Round of 16 stage against Morocco on penalties. And Enrique took all the blame onto himself for the early exit. Now, the RFEF has decided to appoint Luis de la Fuente instead of renewing his contract. 

“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,” an official statement read. 

Enrique’s spell was quite impressive apart from the World Cup, achieving good results in the Nations League, and a semi-final spot in the Euros. Although the players wanted him to carry on, fans wanted to see him replaced. And now, de la Fuente has a young squad to nurture for the coming tournaments.