Luis Enrique Appointed as Spanish Football Coach

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been appointed Spain’s new head coach on a two-year deal. Prior to this, ‘La Furia Roja’ managed to reach the last-16 before losing to hosts Russia.

The Spanish national football team endured a disappointing run in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Even before the tournament began, the team was facing a crisis. To be precise, they sacked Enrique’s predecessor, Julen Lopetegui before the World Cup even began.

Spain’s football federation president, Luis Rubiales, revealed that the decision to hire Luis Enrique was unanimous. He said that the 48-year-old met all of the criteria that they were looking for.

Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup after agreeing a deal to become Real Madrid’s next boss. This left sporting director Fernando Hierro to take interim charge of the side.

Hierro later stepped down from his post as interim boss after Spain’s early elimination from the World Cup. The 2010 champions lost to hosts Russia on penalties in the last-16.

Luis Enrique has previously managed AS Roma and Celta Vigo aside from Barcelona. He also has an impressive resume, having won two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and one Champions League during his three-year spell in charge of Barcelona.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder was also a target for Arsenal to replace former manager Arsene Wenger.

Earlier on Monday, former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, Jose Francisco Molina was appointed as the federation’s sporting director.

With regard to their World Cup campaign, they started off with a 3-3 draw against Portugal in an all-Iberian matchup. They followed it up with a 1-0 win over Iran and a 2-2 draw against Morocco. They topped Group B, having tied with Portugal on 5 points but went ahead on goal difference. They drew 1-1 with Russia but lost in the penalty shootout.