Spain changes coach, immediately

Luis Enrique was replaced by Luis de la Fuente as Spain coach two days after the national team was eliminated in the round of 16 of the World Cup.

Spain lost to Morocco 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time and extra time.

The Spanish Football Federation thanked Luis Enrique, but said it was time to “start a new project” to maintain the growth achieved by the coach in recent years. He said the change was made after a recommendation from sports officials to him.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help more. It was very special to be a part of this. What the team needs is support, in all its senses, so that Luis de la Fuente can achieve his goals”, said Enrique.

De la Fuente, 61, helped Spain’s under-19 team win Euro 2015 and the under-21 team win Euro 2019. He also coached Spain’s team, which won a silver medal at the Olympics from Tokyo.

De la Fuente had coached the senior team on one occasion, when homegrown players were used in a friendly against Lithuania because the main squad had to go into isolation due to the coronavirus.

Other candidates who had been considered in addition to De la Fuente, who was Spain’s under-21 coach, included former Belgium coach Roberto Martínez and Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelino García Toral.

Spain got off to a good start in Qatar, defeating Costa Rica 7-0, but La Roja failed to win again in their last three matches. They drew 1-1 with Germany and lost 2-1 to Japan before being retained by Morocco.

Luis Enrique took charge of the team in 2018 to start renewing the squad after his elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Russia.