The decision over the continuity of Luis Enrique’s future as Spain’s national team head coach is only a matter of hours, reports Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
Following Spain’s exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar at hands of Morocco, the former Barcelona manager took the responsibilities on his shoulder, saying that it was his decision that eliminated Spain in the first place.
The responsibility is mine,” Enrique said after the match.
“I chose the first three penalty takers, who were those I thought were the best specialists on the pitch. We didn’t even get to the fourth. Bounou is a spectacular goalkeeper in this aspect; he has a high percentage of going the right way. He was great,” he added.
It must be remembered that Enrique’s contract as the national team manager expires at the end of 2022 and he has already admitted that he would be taking some time off to be with his family before a decision is taken regarding an extension.
Right now I’m looking forward to getting home to see my family and my dogs and be with them. I suppose that from next week, when the president [Luis Rubiales] considers it timely, we’ll talk about what the future can bring.
“Right now that means nothing to me because we need to assimilate this disappointment and deal with it in the best way,” he said.
Regardless of what the former Barcelona manager has said, MD quotes that the Spanish Federation wants to make a quick decision. The source adds that the clear intention is to deliver the final words today itself, more specifically in the next few hours.
Now there is a possibility of him continuing beyond the contract, but the name who can replace Enrique is that of Luis de la Fuente, the U-21 coach. The likes of Marcelino Garcia Toral or Robert Martinez are also being considered at the moment.