Luis Enrique’s time with Spain’s national team is over (FIFA via Getty)

Luis Enrique will not continue as Spain’s head coach following their World Cup exit this week.

Spain were dumped out of the tournament in Qatar following a surprise defeat to Morocco on penalties.

The 52-year-old has been Spain’s head coach since 2018 and his contract was due to expire after the World Cup this winter.

Speaking about his future after Spain’s World Cup exit on Tuesday, Luis Enrique said: ‘I can’t tell you. Your colleagues already asked me and I don’t know because I don’t know this decision.

‘Now is not the time for me to talk about my future. My contract is going to end, but I’m happy with the national team, with the federation, president, with Molina.

‘I could always carry on but I need to think and have peace of mind about what’s the best for me and my national team.’

Luis Enrique could not prevent Spain from crashing out of the World Cup this week (AFP via Getty)

But a statement from the Spanish FA on Thursday morning read: ‘The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years.

‘The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish Soccer Team, with the aim of continuing with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators. Both the president, Luis Rubiales , and the sports director, José Francisco Molina , have transmitted the decision to the coach.

‘The Asturian coach managed to give a new impetus to the national team since his arrival, in 2018, through a profound renovation that has consolidated a generational change in the team and in Spanish football.

‘Luis Enrique qualified for two Final Four of the UEFA Nations League, of the three he played as coach; and he reached the semifinals of Euro 2020 with his own stamp and through a defined style. He opted for young talent and has sown hope for the future of the Spanish team.

‘The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects. The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home.’

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