Luis Enrique steps down as Spain head coach, Luis de la Fuente takes over

After getting knocked out of the FIFA World Cup in the round of 16 by a North African country, Morocco, Spain’s bus to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar news and Ricky has stepped down from his role. The news broke on Thursday that the man who took charge of the Spain national team in 2018 has decided to call it quits after a poor outing in Qatar.

The 52-year-old has been in charge since 2018 and led the team to the semifinals of Euro 2020 and the round of sixteen. After a goalless draw in 120 minutes, Spain succumbed to the North Africans, who were victorious 3-0 on penalties.

Spain had finished second in their group behind Japan, having trashed the Costa Rica national team 7-0 in the opener, and held Germany before losing to the Japanese in the final group game.

Spain, still at the World Cup, has been subject to criticism, but it is expected that with the Euro 2024 in view nest the newly-appointed coach would see to it that already the Spanish Football federation had announced that Luis de la Fuente be appointed next.

Luis de la Fuente has been with the Spanish U21 and other Spanish age-grade teams. His appointment was revealed in a statement that announced the exit of Luis Enrique as the coach of the team.

“The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years. The RFEF has chosen Luis de la Fuente as the new national coach.” The statement read.

Luis de la Fuente has been in the Spanish youth setup since 2013 and led the Olympic team to silver in Tokyo 2020.

Spain hasn’t won any title since the Euro 2012 triumph, which was the end of their dominance which started with the Euro 2008 win, the FIFA World Cup in 2010, and the Euro 2012.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu