Spanish Football Federation appoints Luis Enrique as men's national team coach

July 12, 2018 On Monday, the (Royal Spanish Football Federation; RFEF) announced Luis Enrique as the new coach of the Spanish men's national football team. Per the contract, Enrique is to serve as the coach for two years.

Speaking about Enrique's appointment, RFEF president said, "The decision was unanimous. I like his commitment and he has turned down better paid jobs in order to coach Spain. He’s a coach who completes all the requirements the Federation was looking for".

Previously, Enrique has managed Italian capital-club AS Roma as well as Spanish LaLiga clubs and FC Barcelona. Enrique took the managerial role at Barcelona in 2014, and in his first season at the Catalan-club, he won the treble, winning LaLiga, and the UEFA Champions League.

During his tenure at the, Enrique won three Copa del Rey, two LaLiga, and one each of the UEFA Champions League, the , the and the. After winning nine trophies with Barcelona, he left the club in 2017 and hasn't taken any managerial role until now. After the treble winning season, Enrique was awarded the FIFA World Coach of the Year award in January 2016.

Enrique succeeds, who served as an interim coach for Spain during this year's FIFA World Cup. Previous full-time coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked by RFEF after he signed a contract with Real Madrid as the club's new manager. Hierro was also the Spanish sporting director until Monday. Prior to the announcement of Enrique's appointment, was appointed as the new RFEF sporting director.

Enrique's first game as Spain's coach is scheduled to be against England on September 8 at in the new.