2018 saw Luis Enrique take over as the head coach of Spain's national team, leading them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where they were eliminated on penalties in the round of 16.
The team experienced a similar fate in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup after falling to Morocco in a penalty shootout.
The team started off strong at the World Cup, thrashing Costa Rica 7-0, before agreeing to a 1-1 draw with Germany and finishing the group stage with a shocking loss to Japan.
They advanced to the round of 16 on goal differential but were eliminated by Morocco. The Royal Spanish Football Federation, or RFEF, fired the former Barcelona manager as a result of the shocking outcome and immediately named Luis De La Fuente as the new manager.
The statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation highlighted and thanked Luis Enrique for all he has done for the team while also confirming the new development in the Spanish national team.
The entire coaching staff that assisted Luis Enrique in leading the team was also thanked by RFEF.
They added that in order to bring about the change, the president had received a report from the RFEF's sports management that recommended starting a new project for the Spanish Football Team in order to maintain the success Luis Enrique has been able to achieve in previous years.
In 2018, the former Barcelona manager was appointed to lead the Spanish national team. He made two UEFA Nations League Final-Four appearances and advanced to the Euro 2020 semifinals.
Luis De La Fuente has been appointed as Luis Enrique's replacement by the Spanish FA. He is anticipated to assist Spain in reaching the 2024 Euros.
Luis De La fuente
Luis De La Fuente Castillo, a former Spanish football player, was born on June 21, 1961, in Haro, Spain. After former head coach Luiz Enrique left his position, Castillo was promoted to manage Spain's senior national team.
As a professional football player, Luis De La Fuente occupied the center-back position. Before being promoted to Athletico Bilbao's main team in 1979, he began his youth career in 1978 with Atletico Bilbao, where he played for one year.
He appeared in 205 games overall and scored five goals. He joined Sevilla in 1987 and played 84 times, scoring 4 goals.
In 1991, Luis De La Fuente made 22 appearances for Athletico Bilbao during his second stint with the team. He also scored one goal.
Alaves was his final club while playing professionally, and during his final season there, he made 35 appearances and scored three goals.
Throughout his football career, De La Fuente was never selected for Spain's senior national team, but he did play for the U17, U21, and U23 squads.
De La Fuente announced his retirement from football and started his professional coaching career after just one season with Deportivo Alaves.
He played football for Atletico Madrid in La Liga and the Copa Del Rey.
De La Fuente began his coaching career in the local levels with Club Portugalete. Before becoming the manager of Spain's senior national team, he had previously served as a coach with Aurrera, Athletico Bilbao, Alaves, Spain U19, U21, and U23.Before taking over as manager of the Spain Senior national team following Luis Enrique's departure, he had previously served as the coach of Aurrera, Athletico Bilbao, Alaves, Spain U19, U21, and U23.