The situation is not bad, but the Spanish can ask themselves whether it’s good. Semi-finals of the EURO 2020, Nations League final, round of 16 at the World Cup. They are there – at the end of major competitions, but more was expected from Luis Enrique’s Spain, bearing in mind that ten years ago they were European and planetary champions.They are also struggling under the leadership of the new coach, Luis de la Fuente, they won against Norway (3-0), but then collapsed in Glasgow and with a defeat against Scotland (2-0) worried the nation, which was already disappointed with the performance in Qatar, where at the end of the tournament Enrique said goodbye to the Furia Roja bench.”Maybe it looks like I’m advertising since we lost the game, but that’s not true. Since the World Cup ended, I haven’t read Spanish media, or anything Spanish on the internet. I’m only interested in the English media,” said Luis Enrique in his first address to the public after the elimination from Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_7134980##The fact that he reads the English media is hardly positive, because if anyone goes to extremes, it is the UK press. The Spaniards are more moderate, they love sport to the core, they respect greatness, however, it is also true that they failed to establish a correct relationship with Enrique. And vice versa.”When you are a professional, it’s logical that you can’t love everyone. When you are a coach, you control information more than journalists or fans. You are obliged to make decisions and accept the consequences of those decisions. Depending on the results, the reactions will be positive or negative. I know what I have to do.”During the World Cup in Doha, Luis Enrique advertised on his own, through social networks, using streaming sessions to explain some decisions.”Thanks to that way of communication, I became appreciated and loved. We managed to win the unconditional affection of the fans. What the media sells is one thing, and the reality is something else. We resorted to an experiment that turned out to be successful, although I don’t think I will return to it in the future.”The fans, however, did not “digest” how the Red Fury ended the competition in the Middle East. In the group, they won against Costa Rica, drew against Germany, lost to Japan, and at the first stop of the elimination phase, they stumbled against Morocco (elimination by penalties).”History repeating. Vermin and vultures have had their moment of glory. I do not care. I am proud of that period, satisfied with what was done. Obviously, I was wrong. Many times. We had to make decisions that every coach has to make, consequently I accepted the biggest responsibility. I am not interested in public debates. They are free. Anyone can comment on my performance and lack knowledge and information.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7135115##A new cycle began, with De la Fuente on the bench.”I didn’t watch the match with Norway or Scotland. I was in South Africa. When you are not directly involved in the work of the national team, you realize that things are different. Everyone goes their own way, which is logical.”And Luis Enrique’s path may lead to Great Britain.”I would like to work in the Premier League the most. I watch more English matches than Spanish football. When it comes to the Spanish, I’m only interested in big team matches. I wouldn’t go to any team, but the one that can achieve a big result, and that reduces the number of options. I do not live in illusions, since there are many candidates for those positions, but I am lucky that I have a busy private life. Which does not mean that I will not work in Spain”.In the three and a half months that have passed since the end of the World Cup, Luis Enrique had the opportunity to return to work.”I had offers. And from several national teams. I do not rule out the possibility of returning to a national team job, although it should be a powerful team in order to accept the challenge,” added the former coach of Celta, Roma and Barcelona, who was also mentioned as a candidate for the bench of the Brazilian national team. “I don’t think I have the profile of a coach for a team like Brazil has. Also, no one from the Brazilian FA contacted me”.”I know that the vermin and the vultures have been taking advantage of their second glory. I am very satisfied with my time as coach. We made mistakes, but decisions have to be made and that is what my staff and I did.”Luis Enrique (SER Gijon). pic.twitter.com/QtDxMBQvcj— Football España (@footballespana_) March 29, 2023
