Luis Enrique: Spanish FA announce manager’s departure for personal reasons with former assistant Robert Moreno his replacement

Enrique has not been in the dugout in recent matches against Malta, the Faroe Islands and Sweden

Jack Rathborn
Wednesday 19 June 2019 15:23 BST
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Press conference with Spain manager Luis Enrique following their 3-2 Nations League defeat to England in Seville

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The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have announced Luis Enrique has left as Spain manager due to personal reasons.

The RFEF president Luis Rubiales, accompanied by sporting director Jose Francisco Molina, revealed the former Barcelona boss is stepping down with former assistant Robert Moreno his replacement.

Enrique has been experiencing personal problems in recent months, with his time in charge of La Furia Roja ending after 11 months.

"Luis Enrique has informed us that he will not continue as a selector. I have to thank him," said Rubiales. "We've been united with him. He will always find the RFEF doors open to him.

"The decision of the RFEF is to trust Robert Moreno as a coach. He will remain in charge for the same duration of the contract that was already signed. They will be in charge of taking us to the Euro 2020 and doing a good job if we qualify."

Moreno thanked the RFEF for their trust in him moving forward.

"I want to thank you for the trust you place in us," Moreno said. "It's a bittersweet day.

Luis Enrique has encountered personal problems
Luis Enrique has encountered personal problems (EPA)

"I didn't expect to be first coach in this way. We're going to work to finish the top work that Luis started."

Enrique was not present in the dugout for recent matches against Malta, the Faroe Islands and Sweden.

And now a decision to walk away and focus on his private life has been taken, with long-term assistant Moreno stepping up.

Robert Moreno will be the next Spain manager
Robert Moreno will be the next Spain manager (AP)

Moreno has been Enrique's assistant at Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona.

Spain's next fixtures are the Euro 2020 qualifiers in September against Romania and the Faroe Islands.

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