Luis Enrique has announced his intention to resign as Spain’s head coach. According to Media Espana journalist Manu Carreno, his replacement will be announced within the next 24 to 48 hours. Enrique’s future was called into question after La Roja was eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Morocco, who won 3-0 on penalties.
The 2010 world champions were eliminated in the first round of the competition on penalties for the second time in a row, having been defeated in a similar fashion by Russia four years ago. It was also a disappointing end to their promising campaign, which began with a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in their first group match last month.
With Enrique’s departure, their turbulent period has continued, and Spain’s under-21 coach Luis de la Fuente is the favourite to take over as the next permanent manager. Roberto Martinez is also said to be in the running after leaving the Belgian national team after being knocked out in the first round. Rafael Benitez, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea head coach, was also considered.
Enrique was appointed as Spain’s manager in July 2018, but resigned in March after only eight games, only to return for a second stint eight months later. Overall, he managed 47 games for the national team, winning 26 and losing just seven, and guiding them to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and UEFA Nations League finals last year.
La Roja advanced to the Euros semi-finals, where they were defeated on penalties by eventual champions Italy. They finished second to France in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. With Enrique bringing in the tournament’s third youngest squad, there were high expectations for them in Qatar. They also began the 2022 FIFA World Cup with their largest-ever victory.
However, they were unable to maintain that momentum, and their performances subsequently deteriorated, with the team appearing exhausted of ideas on the ball while lacking a serious focal point upfront.
Despite having a talented squad, the next manager will have the difficult task of bringing out the best in them.
