Spain have sacked Luis Enrique after a disappointing exit from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. So, HITC Football has looked back at his first XI – including Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara.
Enrique oversaw two spells in charge of La Roja after firstly taking up the role in July 2018. Yet Julen Lopetegui’s replacement stepped down from the position for personal reasons in June 2019. But the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) re-hired him that November.
His second spell at the Spain helm saw Enrique lead 39 games across all competitions for 21 wins and 11 draws. La Roja also made the semi-finals of Euro 2020 before losing to Italy 5-3 on penalties. But the 2010 World Cup champions bore a frustrating time at Qatar 2022.
Luis Enrique sacked as Spain boss after crashing out of the 2022 World Cup
Spain arrived at Qatar 2022 among the favourites to win the World Cup title and started in dominant fashion. Enrique oversaw a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica to kick off their Group E campaign. Six players also provided Spain’s strikes with only Ferran Torres scoring twice.
Yet Germany held Spain to a 0-0 draw as Die Mannschaft tried to kickstart their World Cup after losing to Japan. The Samurai Blue would also stun Spain as Japan came from behind to win 2-1 to top Group E. Japan had no problems letting La Roja dominate the possession.
A Round of 16 tie with Morocco saw Spain again dominate the time on the ball with 76.8%, per WhoScored. Yet Enrique’s men would only turn their possession and 926 passes to the Atlas Lions’ 216 into 13 shots and one on target. So, it went to penalties and Spain lost 3-0.
The defeat to Morocco has now cost Enrique his job as Spain have sacked the 52-year-old. The RFEF announced this Thursday, December 8 that they had fired the former Barcelona boss. It reviewed and determined that a new coach should lead their project and growth.
Luis de la Fuente has replaced Enrique as the Spain boss, the RFEF confirmed on Thursday. Sports director Jose Francisco Molina and president Luis Rubiales agreed to promote the 61-year-old to the RFEF’s top position after four years as the head coach of its Under-21s.
So, now that the RFEF has sacked Enrique as its manager, HITC Football has taken a look back to his first Spain XI which beat England 2-1 in the Nations League in September 2018.
David de Gea (GK): Did the Spain star’s omission cause Enrique to be sacked?
Enrique electing to omit his first Spain goalkeeper, David de Gea, from his 2022 World Cup squad may have led to him being sacked. Unai Simon was not a convincing option between the sticks in Qatar. He made a string of nervy errors through their time at the tournament.
Dani Carvajal (RB): His Spain career may also be over with Enrique now sacked
Dani Carvajal may also now be looking at the end of his Spain career after the RFEF sacked Enrique. Marcos Llorente started ahead of the 30-year-old against Morocco after Carvajal seemed badly off the pace against Japan. Enrique also restricted his role against Germany.
Sergio Ramos (CB): Enrique gave the Real Madrid icon the captaincy vs England
Enrique gave Sergio Ramos the captaincy in his first game as Spain’s head coach against England in 2018. The Real Madrid icon would remain La Roja’s skipper through until March 2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain. The 180-cap star has not featured for Spain since.
Nacho Fernandez (CB): England were Enrique’s first rival and the defender’s last
England were Enrique’s first rival in September 2018 when La Roja won 2-1 at Wembley in the Nations League. The Three Lions would also be Nacho Fernandez’s last rival as Enrique did not call the centre-back up again after losing 3-2 to Gareth Southgate in October 2018.
Marcos Alonso (LB): The Barcelona man earned 89% of his caps under Enrique
Marcos Alonso earned 89% of his Spain caps under La Roja’s now-sacked coach, Enrique. Lopetegui gave the left-back his debut in March 2018 before the 31-year-old earned eight of his nine caps under Enrique. The Barcelona man last turned out for Spain in June 2022.
Sergio Busquets (CDM): Spain could look for a new captain with Enrique sacked
The RFEF has tasked De la Fuente with reviving Spain to their former status as one of the world’s best. His task may also include looking for a new captain with Sergio Busquets now 34 years old. The Barcelona star also shied from debating his future after the Morocco tie.
“Now, the important thing is the team and not me,” the 143-cap 2010 World Cup winner said, via quotes by BeIN Sports. “It’s a difficult night and we will have to get up and use this experience. There are very young people who will be very useful and we must continue.”
Saul Niguez (CM): The Atletico Madrid man may seek a recall with Enrique sacked
Saul Niguez may see Enrique being sacked as his route back into the Spain set-up. The 28-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder got the last of his 19 caps to date in November 2019. He failed to hold down a consistent role in Enrique’s early Roja squads throughout that year.
Thiago Alcantara (CM): Enrique may regret not taking the Liverpool star to Qatar
Enrique may regret not taking Thiago to Qatar having not called the £20m Liverpool ace up since Euro 2020. The 31-year-old earned the last of his 46 caps to date in their loss to Italy on penalties. He also only played 64 minutes over four appearances over the tournament.
Rodrigo (RW): Enrique last named the Leeds star in his squad 12 months ago
Rodrigo made his Spain debut back in October 2014 under Vicente del Bosque. But the 31-year-old only enjoyed a consistent presence in the squad from 2017 to 2020. Enrique also last called the Leeds United forward Pat Nevin calls ‘extra special’ up in November 2021.
Iago Aspas (ST): Enrique ended the Celta Vigo star’s Spain career in 2019
Enrique effectively ended Iago Aspas’ Spain career in June 2019 when the Celta Vigo star earned his 18th and final cap. The 35-year-old had only held a sporadic role in the squad with six starts after his debut in November 2016. Yet he offered six goals and six assists.
Isco (LW): Could De la Fuente bring the Sevilla star back into the Spain side?
De la Fuente might consider bringing Isco back into the Spain set-up with Enrique sacked and the U21 boss promoted. The Sevilla midfielder has not represented his country since June 2019. The 30-year-old had offered 12 goals and six assists over 38 caps since 2013.
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