Luis Enrique Appointed Spain Manager

• Posted on July 9, 2018
• by Ellsamwise King
• Comment

Spain has confirmed the appointment of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique as their new manager.

The 48-year-old has become La Roja’s new coach following Fernando Hierro’s decision to stand down from the position on the back of a disappointing World Cup.

Spain was beaten by tournament hosts Russia on penalties in the last 16 following a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

The 2010 winners were touted as one of the pre-tournament favorites but their chances were heavily disrupted by the decision to sack manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the competition.

Lopetegui was named as Zinedine Zidane’s successor at Real Madrid with the start of the World Cup just around the corner, with the Spanish Football Federation angered by the timing of the announcement.

“I found out [about the deal with Madrid] five minutes beforehand and asked for nothing to be done, that I was getting a plane and coming here,” Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, said.

“But, after five minutes, I saw it in the press and we had to react. We have a responsibility. I know there will be criticism but the values of the RFEF are set by the RFEF itself.

“To win is very important, to have the best coach is very important, but above everything is acting in the right way. Maybe this is tough now, but in the end, it will make us stronger.”

Enrique takes over from Hierro, who shifted from his previous role as sporting director to the manager just for the World Cup, in what will be his first role since leaving Barcelona in 2017.

Former Roma and Celta Vigo coach Enrique lifted countless trophies during his time in charge of Barca including two La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League.

Enrique also made 12 appearances for Spain as a player.

Source: Goal.com