Luis de la Fuente could replace Luis Enrique as Spain manager

Luis de la Fuente could replace Luis Enrique as head coach of the Spanish national team following La Roja’s disappointing World Cup campaign, according to Marca.

Enrique’s fate hangs in the balance following La Roja’s elimination at the hands of Morocco in the round of 16, and the former Barcelona manager could be replaced by Fuente.

Eyebrows were raised when Enrique announced his squad for the showpiece event in Qatar. But Spain began their World Cup campaign with an astonishing 7-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group E and looked like they would be the team to beat.

However, they failed to build on the win, which proved to be their only victory in the tournament. They recorded a 1-1 draw with Germany before suffering an improbable 2-1 defeat to group underdogs Japan.

Spain only managed a place in the knockout stage thanks to their massive goal difference. Having qualified second in their group, they were handed a last-16 tie with Group F winners Morocco.

The Atlas Lions proved tough to break for the Spaniards, who were held to a penalty shoot-out where they ultimately lost without converting any of their spot kicks.

Fuente, the head coach of the Spanish Under 21 team, is a strong candidate to take over from Enrique after enjoying success at the underage level, winning the U19 and U21 European Championships. He has also worked with over 80% of the players in the current national team squad.

The Spanish football federation will deliberate greatly before deciding on Enrique’s future. But they expect the 52-year-old to be the one to make a move and announce his resignation from the role.

Former Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelino is also being considered for the role. The 57-year-old is a free agent after leaving Bilbao at the end of last season.