In the aftermath of Spain's surprise round of 16 defeat to Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Luis Enrique has been sacked as head coach of La Furia Roja.
Official: Hazard Announces Retirement From International Football
The former Barcelona midfielder's time in the Spain dugout has come to an end after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
What started off as a tournament with a tremendous amount of promise as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0, ended in failure as defeats to Japan in their final group-stage and to Morocco in the first knockout round saw them make an early exit from the global showpiece.
A statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation's website reads: "The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years.
"The sports 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 their collaborators.
"Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach."
Official: Sterling Returns To World Cup After Home Invasion
Enrique's contract was set to expire at the end of the year, but following a lacklustre showing in the Gulf, the decision has been taken to part ways with the ex-Real Madrid midfielder.
The two-time European champions have wasted no time in appointing a replacement for the former Barcelona manager, with Luis de la Fuente taking over as head coach. The 61-year-old was previously coach of Spain's U21 side, and led the Iberian nation to a silver-medal finish at the 2020 Olympic Games.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO:
