Luis Enrique named as new Spain coach

Fernando Hierro, the sporting director, who stood in as coach and led Spain to the last 16 where they lost to host Russian Federation on penalties, said Sunday he would not continue with RFEF.

Hierro was appointed acting coach after a surprise sacking of Julen Lopetegui who accepted to take over at Real Madrid.

The 48-year-old will have the tough task of reviving a national team deflated after three consecutive failures at major tournaments, the latest their World Cup loss to hosts Russian Federation - ranked 70th in the world - on penalties in the last 16.

Hierro has made a decision to "seek new horizons", according to the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have confirmed that Fernando Hierro will no longer continue with the federation after Spain's shock World Cup exit at the knockout stages. Spain left the tournament after winning just one game.

The dream is finally over for World Cup surprise package Russian Federation
Croatia are also just the second team to advance through two back-to-back World Cup knockout games after trailing. Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, already hobbled with a leg injury, could do nothing but watch it hit the net.

The former Barcelona manager, who was favoured ahead of the other candidates Quique Sánchez Flores y Michel, will be officially presented as new head coach of the national setup in the coming days.

Luis Enrique had last been manager of Barcelona till 2017.

The 48-year-old won two La Liga titles and the Champions League with the Catalan side before stepping down last year.

Luis Enrique previously coached FC Barcelona, where he won the treble in 2014-15, as well as playing 62 times for Spain, which included appearances at three World Cups (1994, 1998 and 2002).

A statement said the former Real Madrid player had "declined" to return to his previous role and will instead "undertake new professional challenges".