After the round of 16 at the World Cup: personnel cuts at the Spanish association
Created: 08.12.2022, 22:20
By: Stefan Schmid
After the elimination of the Spanish national team in the round of 16 of the World Cup, the coach had to resign first, now the sporting director follows him.
Madrid/Doha – The 2022 World Cup was not only imagined differently in Germany, the disappointment should also be great in Spain.
Losing a penalty shoot-out against Morocco was the end of La Furia Roja's game in the round of 16, and that now has far-reaching consequences in terms of personnel.
It was already announced on Thursday afternoon that coach Luis Enrique's contract would not be extended.
The same fate befell sports director José Francisco Molina a few hours later.
With the announcement of the two decisions, things were immediately nailed down and a successor was named.
Youngster expert de la Fuente follows Enrique
Spain's national coach Luis Enrique was already under criticism during the World Cup.
The accusation against the declared Tiki-Taka friend: His team is too playful and he puts the philosophy of the game before effectiveness and success.
In fact, his team was able to show above-average pass rates - in the game against Morocco alone, 91% of the more than 1000 passes played were successful.
However, the Spaniards should not succeed in scoring a goal in this game.
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The Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF), the Spanish Football Federation, has now decided not to extend Enrique's contract, which expires at the end of the year.
His successor will be the previous U21 coach Luis de la Fuente, who is considered a real youth expert due to his successes in the U-Teams (European champions with the U19s and U21s).
Looking at the Spanish squad, de la Fuente's choice shouldn't be the worst, because there are real diamonds in the rough with Gavi (18) and Pedri (20) from FC Barcelona.
Molina brings Enrique his exit and then has to go herself
The RFEF press release on the dismissal of the coach also states that "both president Luis Rubiales and sports director José Francisco Molina informed the coach of this decision." Shortly afterwards on Thursday evening it was announced that sports director Molina would also be leaving his post at the end of the year got to.
As with Enrique, his contract only runs until the end of the year and, as with the coaching position, the successor has already been determined.
Jose Francisco Molina (left) and Luis Enrique (right) have to step down.
President Luis Rubiales remains.
© IMAGO/Jose Breton
Albert Luque will assume the post of sports director, which Molina had held since 2018.
The former Spain international is still a blank slate when it comes to football management.
During his professional career, the 44-year-old Spaniard made most of his more than 350 appearances for Deportivo de La Coruña in the Primera División.
Outgoing coach Enrique says goodbye with an appeal to fans
At least Luis Enrique doesn't seem to hold any grudges over his retirement from coaching.
In the form of a public letter, the coach has already said goodbye to his team, taking the blame for the poor performance at the World Cup.
“The players were role models in their behavior and followed our game idea.
I regret not being able to help you more.”
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Enrique also thanked the association, who continues to cherish his time as national coach.
"It was very special to have been a part of it." He also addressed words to the fans asking for support for his successor.
"Let's go Spain!
Forever.
Thanks!” he finally said goodbye.
Similar words have not yet been heard from Oliver Bierhoff in the direction of the DFB and his successor has not yet been determined.
It is quite possible that his tasks will be shared among several shoulders in the future.
(sh)