Spanish FA re-appoints ex-Barcelona boss five months after quitting

Luis Enrique has been re-appointed as the manager of Spain five months after quitting following the death of his daughter Xanita.

Enrique took charge of La Roja for the first time in July last year, but stepped aside for personal reasons in March before resigning in June to take care of the nine-year-old daughter, who died of bone cancer at the end of August.

BREAKING: Luis Enrique has been re-appointed as Spain manager.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 19, 2019

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales insisted at the time that “the doors of the federation and the national team will remain open to him”.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Rubiales said: “Today we can confirm that Luis Enrique will return to his position.”

Enrique’s assistant, Robert Moreno, took charge in his absence and oversaw Spain’s march to the Euro 2020 finals.

Enrique has replaced his former No 2 Roberto Moreno (left), who stepped up to the role

Rubiales added: “Luis Enrique can choose his own staff.”

Monday night’s 5-0 thrashing of Romania maintained his unbeaten record, comprising seven wins and two draws from nine matches.

While always politely insisting he would stand down should Enrique choose to return, it was reported that Moreno was unhappy at the way his departure has been handled, refusing to speak to the media after the game.

But Rubiales said: “We have acted sincerely, we have not deceived anyone. Everyone knew that if Luis Enrique wanted to come back he had the doors open.’

Although the Spain players are aware of Enrique’s methods from his previous time at the helm, he is now the fifth different managerial spell in the past 17 months.

CONFIRMED: Luis Enrique will return as Spain boss, replacing Roberto Moreno😲

Luis Rubiales: "We want to thank Robert Moreno for his work, he did very well, and we are very happy with what he did. He spoke with Luis Enrique, who told him he wanted to return." #LLL
🧡🇪🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/wtsRQG0C69

— La Liga Lowdown 🧡🇪🇸⚽️ (@LaLigaLowdown) November 19, 2019

Read Also: Spanish FA set to re-appoint former boss as Moreno walks away in tears

The 49-year-old, who won eight of 10 matches during his previous tenure, suffering Nations League defeats to England and Croatia, is now tasked with guiding Spain into next summer’s European Championship finals and beyond.

Rubiales further stated: “Luis Enrique will continue to the Qatar World Cup (in 2022).”