- Spain shocked by Morocco
- Exit at last-16 stage
- Decide to change coach
WHAT HAPPENED? Luis Enrique’s time as Spain manager is up following a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign. La Roja kicked off with an impressive 7-0 win over Costa Rica but ended up going out at the last-16 stage on penalties to Morocco. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have now confirmed Luis Enrique has been sacked as coach and a replacement will be sought.
WHAT THEY SAID: “The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years,” read a statement. “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, José Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Luis Enrique’s contract was due to expire at the end of the year and the decision has been made not to extend his tenure following an underwhelming campaign in Qatar. Spain were expected to go deep into the tournament but only progressed to the knockout round as runners-up behind Japan in Group E and were then dumped out by a spirited Morocco side.
DID YOU KNOW? Spain have been eliminated in three of their last four games in the round of 16 at the World Cup, losing on penalties at this stage in each of the last two editions.
