World Cup: Spain Appoints Funte As Enrique’s Replacement

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Thursday the appointment of Luis de la Fuente as a replacement for Luis Enrique as Spain’s coach.

The RFEF had earlier announced that Enrique would not continue in the role after the 2022 FIFA World Cup elimination to Morocco in the Round of 16.

A separate statement then confirmed that U21 coach De la Fuente would replace the former Barcelona manager.

Recall that Enrique took over back in 2018 after Julen Lopetegui left for Real Madrid.

The 52-year-old led Spain to the semifinals stage at Euro 2020, losing to eventual winners Italy.

With his contract expiring this month, the RFEF said the decision had been made to commence a new project with De la Fuente in charge.

De la Fuente has been coaching Spanish youth teams since 2013.

The 61-year-old worked with the U19s before taking the U21 post in 2018.