World Cup 2022: Luis Enrique Leaves Role As Spain Coach After World Cup Exit

• Spain has confirmed that Luis Enrique has left his position as national team manager
• The team were dumped out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a shock loss to Morocco
• Spain’s early exit in Qatar means it is now 10 years since they last won a major trophy

Luis Enrique has left his role as Spain’s head coach, following the country's shock elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Morocco.

Spain were dumped out of the World Cup in the round of 16 by African giants via penalties, in one of the biggest upsets of the Qatar 2022 tournament.

According to The Athletic, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) confirmed Enrique’s departure in a statement as they thanked the 52-year-old for his services.

The Spanish FA also wished the former Barcelona manager well in his future endeavours, as the search to replace the team manager commences in earnest.

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Enrique qualified La Roja for two UEFA Nations League final fours in his time in charge of the national team, and also reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

Spain announces Enrique's replacement

Meanwhile, the Spanish FA has announced that Spain's Under-21 manager, Luis de la Fuente will replace Enrique as the team manager.

De la Fuente and Spanish Federation have completed the agreement today (December 8), following the conclusion of Enrique's sacking after a disastrous World Cup campaign.

Another candidate considered for the job before De La Fuente's appointment was Ernesto Valverde, as the RFEF President Luis Rubiales was reportedly a fan of the Athletic Club boss.

Enrique wanted to keep job

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Enrique wanted to stay Spain coach, but said his future was not yet decided after Morocco knocked the Europeans out in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday.

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The manager, who led La Roja to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, saw his side beaten 3-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw with the North African side over 120 minutes.

Enrique was first appointed in 2018, after Spain were eliminated in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup by hosts Russia.