Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been appointed as the Spain coach, said the president of Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales said during a press conference on Monday.
Enrique, a mid-fielder by trade, represented Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona during his playing career and coached Celta Vigo, Barcelona B and the senior team.
The 48-year-old, who took a sabbatical since leaving Nou Camp in May 17, won two La Liga titles, one Champions League and three King’s Cups as Barca coach between 2014 and 2017.
The new head coach of Spain’s national team needed to be a person of strong character, President of Spain’s Football Federation Luis Rubiales said during a press conference.
“The decision has been unanimous. I like your engagement. has given better economic opportunities to train the team,” said Rubiales.
“Luis Enrique comes with his staff, but he will talk about it next week,” he added.The Spanish football federation also appointed Jose Francisco Molina as the new sporting director of the Spanish side after Fernando Hierro decided not to return to his former designation.
“I like to hear the word ‘success’ in Molina’s mouth. We have marked a style that has to evolve, but I am glad that it is on the line to recognize the good work that has been done in many years,” said Rubiales about appointing Molina.
“Our style has many good things and others that can be improved. When I sat down with Molina, I felt like growing up. We are not going to give up our style, but also not to improve it,” he added.
Hierro, who decided not to take up the role, was named the Spain coach just before the World Cup after Julen Lopetegui was sacked for not informing the board about joining Real Madrid. Hierro, who came to Russia as the sporting director, left the country as the coach of the Spanish team. He was expected to return to his orginal role but the former Real Madrid defender decided to not go back and look into new ventures.
Molina, 47, is a former Spanish national goalkeeper and also played for Atletico Madrid and Deportivo de la Coruna. He also won the Indian Super League with Atletico de Kolkata in 2017. He will now have the tough job of taking a ‘broken’ Spanish team ahead after an early exit from the World Cup.
“I appreciate the confidence of the RFEF to occupy this position. It’s the best place you can work. A new stage opens and we hope to continue with the successes of all the selections,” said an excited Molina.
“In recent years have done very good things in the RFEF. You’ve done a great job. Logically you have to change things, opens a new period with enthusiasm,” he added.