Izuchukwu Okosi
Spain’s coach to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Luis Enrique has resigned from his role in the national team after the country crashed out of the 2022 World Cup by losing on penalties to one of African representatives Morocco in the round of 16.
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The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player had been the coach since 2018. Enrique will be succeeded by the manager of Spain’s under-21 national team, Luis de la Fuente.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement issued on Wednesday that it “would like to thank Luis Enrique and all his coaching staff for their work at the head of the senior national team over the last few years”.
“The RFEF sports management has sent the president a report in which it is determined that a new project for the Spanish national football team should be started, with the aim of continuing the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and his collaborators,” the Federation’s statement added.
Imposing “his own stamp and through a defined style”, the federation said the coach had “placed his faith in young talent and has given hope for the future of the Spanish national team”.
Luis Enrique took over the national team after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, revamping the squad.
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The Spanish gaffer temporarily left his job due to the illness and eventual death of his young daughter but returned in 2019 to prepare for the Euro 2020 tournament.
Spain and indeed other big European sides that have been eliminated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will now focus on preparing for the qualifiers to Euro 2024.
Spain were the 2010 World Cup winners but have not won any world or European title after the 2012 European Championship with the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta the focal points of the side.
Germany will host the continent in the summer of 2024.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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