December 8,2022

The defeat against Morocco in the penalty shootout has triggered a new cycle for the Spain national soccer team and the first casualty after the fiasco at the Qatar 2022 World Cup has been Luis Enrique.

The Asturian coach has been dismissed as coach to bring an end to his project, based on young players, which has not been able to enjoy success at major tournaments

The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff for their work at the helm of the senior national team over the past few years. The RFEF sporting department delivered a report to the president which found that a new project for the Spain National Team should begin, aiming to continue the growth of recent years.

“Luis Rubiales and sporting director Jose Molina communicated the decision to the coach

Among the achievements of the former Spanish national coach, it is worth mentioning the three consecutive semi-finals in tournaments – the 2020 European Championship and twice in the Nations League – and also qualifying as first in the qualification group for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Ultimately, though, that was not enough to keep Luis Enrique in the job.

RFEF statement

“The RFEF wants to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff for their work at the head of the senior national team in recent years.

“The RFEF’s sports management has sent the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should be started for the Spanish National Football Team, with the aim of continuing with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work done by Luis Enrique and his team. Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sporting director, Jose Francisco Molina, have informed the coach of the decision taken

The Asturian coach managed to give a new impetus to the national team since his arrival, in 2018, through a profound renewal that has consolidated a generational change in the team and in Spanish soccer

Luis Enrique managed to qualify for two UEFA Nations League Final Four stages, out of the three he competed for as coach; and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 with his own defined style. He backed young talent and has sown hope for the future of the Spanish national team.

“The RFEF wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects. The coach has earned the affection and admiration of his colleagues in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home