Luis Enrique leaves Spain job with Luis de la Fuente appointed as his successor

Despite being regarded as one of the best teams in the

, Luis Enrique’s

went out on a whimper after losing on penalty shoot-outs to

The disappointing result has now cost Enrique a great deal as the federation decided not to renew his contract, confirmed by RFEF, which was due to expire at the end of the tournament.

"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 statement read.

"The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish soccer team.

"The aim is to continue with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators.

"Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.

"The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects.

"The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home."

Enrique has led Spain since 2018, barring a 4-month leave of absence due to the illness and the eventual passing of his daughter. When asked about his contract at Spain following the Morocco loss, Enrique said:

"I can't tell you.

"Your colleagues already asked me and I don't know because I don't know this decision.

"Now is not the time for me to talk about my future. My contract is going to end, but I'm happy with the national team, with the federation, the president.

"I could always carry on but I need to think and have peace of mind about what's the best for me and my national team."

In regards to who takes over Enrique’s job, a separate statement was released which reads:

''The RFEF has chosen Luis de la Fuente as the new absolute national coach. The sports director, José Francisco Molina, has forwarded a report to the president, Luis Rubiales, in which he recommends the choice of the coach from La Rioja, until now the U-21 coach, to lead the new stage that begins after the World Cup in Qatar. 

Once his appointment is ratified by the board of directors, Luis de la Fuente would be presented on Monday, December 12 at 12:30 p.m. in the Luis Aragonés room of the Ciudad del Fútbol.''

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