ᑕ❶ᑐ World Cup 2022: Spain coach Luis Enrique resigned after the 1/8 finals
| Host country: Qatar Destination: November 20-December 18 Cover: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Daily TV programs – Full coverage details |
Luis Enrique resigned as head coach of the Spanish national team after losing to Morocco in the 1/8 finals of the World Cup.
The 52-year-old took over in 2018 and led Spain to the semi-finals of Euro 2020. lost to Italy.
“We would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff,” said the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Luis de la Fuente, head coach of Spain’s under-21 team, has been recommended for the job, but his appointment must be approved by the board, which meets on Monday.
Spain They beat Costa Rica 7-0 in their first group match in Qatar, but possession got them down. accused of playing “boring” football As they drew 1-1 with Germany and lost 2-1 to Japan.
Then, without scoring for 120 minutes, Morocco was eliminated from the tournament with penalties.
- Another Moroccan shocker? Predictions for Sutton World Cup 1/4 finals
- FIFA World Cup: the schedule and the road to the final
- World Cup TV coverage guide
Spain were hailed for their style and established themselves as the world’s leading nation under Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque between 2008 and 2012, during which they won two consecutive European Championships either side of their first World Cup.
However, they have not been able to lift a major trophy since becoming European champions in 2012. And since their triumph in 2010, they have not made it past the World Cup play-offs.
Luis Enrique’s most successful period as a manager at club level came with Barcelona. He won the Champions League between 2014 and 2017 and led them to two La Ligas, three Copa del Rey, a Super Cup, a Club World Cup and a Spanish Super Cup.
He took charge of Spain after a chaotic 2018 World Cup campaign, taking over from Fernando Hierro, who was sacked two days before the tournament when Julen Lopetegui announced he would manage Real Madrid after the tournament.
Former Spain midfielder Luis Enrique briefly stepped aside in 2019 after his late daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer, delaying the team’s return to the last four of Euro 2020.
De la Fuente has been part of the Spanish national team since 2013 and has coached their youth teams.
He won a silver medal for Spain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Analysis
Guillem Balague, Spanish football expert
During the World Cup, Spain did not shoot outside the penalty area. They were not good at certain parts. They were not physically strong. They didn’t have enough pace for football. They didn’t put up a cross because they didn’t have anything to finish them with.
There were limits to what they could do. We saw a bad version of what Luis Enrique wanted to implement.
It was a team that didn’t have enough layers. The fans were promised a brave team, but they were afraid of losing the ball and just couldn’t find a way out.
When it comes to Luis Enrique’s legacy, he leaves behind a mindset of not dramatizing wins and losses. There is also a quality staff that the next manager can rely on.
Spain have been a consistent and competitive side under Luis Enrique, a UEFA Nations League finalist and Euro semi-finalist.
The style of play would be better against better teams.
- FIFA World Cup: the schedule and the road to the final
- World Cup TV coverage guide
Get the latest results and goal notifications for any FIFA World Cup team by downloading the BBC Sport app: apple – android – Amazon
Get your daily dose of FIFA World Cup reaction, discussion and analysis world cup every day on BBC Sounds
