MADRID, July 9, 2018 (News Wires) - The Spanish Football Federation has appointed Luis Enrique as Spain's new national team coach, the president of the federation Luis Rubiales said during a press conference on Monday. A former midfielder for Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Enrique won two Liga titles, one Champions League and three King's Cups as Barca coach between 2014 and 2017. He also coached Celta Vigo and Barca's reserve team and has spent the past year on sabbatical since leaving the Nou Camp in May 2017. Spain were eliminated in the World Cup last 16 after a disastrous campaign. On the eve of the World Cup, Julen Lopetegui was sacked. That was down to his announcement as the new Real Madrid boss - without telling the head of the SEF (Spanish FA) Luis Rubiales. Rubiales, understandably, was a bit miffed but many felt he was too blunt with sacking Lopetegui so close to the tournament. Fernando Hierro took the job, but opted not to stay on during the week. Spain won Group B after a thrilling draw with Portugal was backed up by wins over Morocco and Iran. However, a penalties defeat to the hosts sent them packing. Enrique will lead his country into the qualifying campaign for Euro 2020. He'll likely get a chance at the 2022 edition in Qatar. Enrique left Barcelona at the end of the 2016/17 season after three years with the club. He had been linked with the vacant Arsenal job since Arsene Wenger resigned, but it was given to Unai Emery.
