After Spain was eliminated from the World Cup on Tuesday after a shocking penalty shootout loss to Morocco in Qatar, the team has parted ways with manager Luis Enrique.
The 2010 champions failed to score on any of their extra-point attempts after 120 minutes of scoreless play.
Before the unexpected result, the group stage campaign featured highs and lows, including victories over Costa Rica (7-0), Germany (1-1), and Japan (2-1), who finished second in Group E.
RFEF statement to Luis Enrique
A statement from the Royal Football Federation (RFEF) read: “The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the 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.
“The aim is to continue with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and his collaborators.
“Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.
“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.”
52-year-old Luis Enrique became president of his nation in July 2018 but resigned in July 2019 for personal reasons.
When he took over again in November 2019, he oversaw Spain’s progression to the Euro 2020 semifinals, where they were defeated by eventual champions Italy on penalties.
Between 1991 and 2002, the former midfielder for Real Madrid and Barcelona amassed 62 caps for his country.
He left the Camp Nou in May 2014 and went on to win nine trophies, including a treble in his first season in Catalonia, after stints in the Roma and Celta Vigo dugouts.
According to local reports, Luis de la Fuente, the Under-21s coach, will likely be chosen by Spain to succeed Luis Enrique.
