July 9 – He was only a stand-in but he has already stepped down. Fernando Hierro, forced at the 11th hour into leading Spain at the World Cup, has given up the post and will not return to his former role as sporting director.
Hierro was placed in temporary charge of the team after Julen Lopetegui, who didn’t lose a single game in two years, was sacked on the eve of the tournament for not telling his bosses he was joining Real Madrid. The 2010 world champions were subsequently knocked out on penalties by Russia in the last 16.
Hierro, 50, has decided to “seek new horizons”, according to the Spanish football federation (RFEF).
A statement said the former Real Madrid player had “declined” to return to his previous role and has opted to “undertake new professional challenges”.
After their shock exit, Hierro said he accepted responsibility for the team’s failure. It is understood Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales will recommend former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique as Hierro’s replacement. Enrique left Barcelona in May 2017 after winning nine trophies in three seasons.
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