Luis Enrique has been sacked as manager of Spain’s Men National Team following their shock exit to Morocco at 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Enrique’s departure comes after three years in charge of the Spanish national team after having previously quit earlier that year for personal reasons, yet a shock exit on penalties to Morocco at Round of 16 Stage in 2022 FIFA World Cup cost him his job.
In a lengthy statement, Royal Football Espanol Federation (RFEF) expressed their ‘thank’ to Enrique and his coaching team for their efforts over the last few years, in which Spain reached semi-finals of Euro 2020 then finished runners-up to France in 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
Spain’s run to the semi-finals at UEFA Euro 2020 though wasn’t without controversy after Real Madrid players were snubbed, with Nacho and Marco Asensio amongst Real’s Spanish players who were snubbed by Enrique for selection.
Explaining their decision behind sacking Enrique, the RFEF explained that a report had been compiled during the World Cup, which was completed following their exit with recommendation ‘that a new project must start for the Spanish Football team,’ in order to continue their development.
President, Luis Rubiales and Sports Director, José Francisco Molina personally agreed with the report’s advice and informed Enrique of his dismissal as appropriate.
The RFEF went on to praise Enrique for providing ‘new impetus’ consisting of ‘generational change’ and ‘a defined style’, which has seen a focus on promoting emerging talent like Pedri and Gavi which has successfully ‘sown hope for the future of the Spanish national team.’
Enrique and his staff also have been wished ‘the best of fortune’ with ‘affection and admiration’ of those who they have worked with within RFEF.
This isn’t the first managerial departure across this World Cup, with the following managers having stood down following their teams’ exits, albeit at conclusion of Group Stage;
- Roberto Martinez (Belgium)
- Gerardo Martino (Mexico)
- Otto Addo (Ghana)
Discussion about this post