Luis Enrique has left his role as Spain manager following Spain’s exit at the World Cup in the round of 16 defeat by Morocco.

Spain were seen as one of the tournament favorites but a stellar defensive display by Morocco saw the 2010 World Cup winners frustrated in 120 minutes of football before succumbing to a 3-0 loss on penalties.

The 52-year-old was appointed Manager of the Spanish national team in 2018 and guided Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said a “new project” should start but did not put a time frame on when a new boss would be announced.

“We would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff,” the RFEF said in a statement.

The former Spain midfielder stepped away from his role for a short period in 2019 because his late daughter had been diagnosed with bone cancer, before returning for the side’s impressive Euros run in the tournament that was delayed by a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Spain were knocked out of the Euros by eventual champions Italy after their semi-final went to a penalty shootout.

They thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening group game of the World Cup but their possession-based game saw them accused of being “boring” as they drew 1-1 with Germany and lost 2-1 to Japan.

On Tuesday, Spain were held to a goalless draw by Morocco before again losing a penalty shootout as they were knocked out.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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