Spain announced on Wednesday afternoon that Luis Enrique has stepped down as coach of the national team because of “personal reasons.”
Luis Enrique, 49, has been on a leave of absence since March 26, with his assistant Robert Moreno having guided La Roja in their last three Euro 2020 qualifiers. Moreno will replace Luis Enrique as head coach, Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales announced.
“Luis Enrique has announced he will not continue as coach,” Rubiales said in a news conference on Wednesday. “It is his decision and we have to respect it.
“We have to thank Luis Enrique. We’ve learned a lot from him. We will continue to support him. He will always have the doors open in this federation. I ask the press to continue to respect him during this difficult time which is down to a personal issue.
“The decision of the RFEF is to put its trust on Robert Moreno, who will lead the us at Euro 2020. We are convinced he is the best choice in view of the situation we are in.”
The RFEF had expressed last month their “total commitment” to Luis Enrique and hoped to have him for “many years in charge.”
Luis Enrique was contracted to the RFEF for a further year but his spell in charge has lasted 11 months.
Spain have won eight and lost two of their 10 games since the former Barcelona coach replaced Fernando Hierro at the helm following the national team’s last 16 exit to Russia at the 2018 World Cup.
“It’s a mixed feeling,” Moreno said in Wednesday’s news conference. “I’m sad but I feel the responsibility.
“It’s special circumstances and Luis Enrique wanted me to accept this role. I’m certain Spain will qualify for Euro 2020.”
Spain play at Romania in Sep. 5 before hosting the Faroe Islands three days later as part of their European qualifying campaign.
La Roja lead Group F with four wins in as many games.