Football

Luis Enrique 'set for Spain return' for Euro 2020 with Robert Moreno stepping aside


Luis Enrique could be set to make an emotional return as Spain boss to lead La Roja at next summer’s European Championships.

Current boss Robert Moreno, who was Enrique’s No.2 before the former Barcelona boss stepped down from the role earlier this year, will move aside despite leading the side unbeaten through qualification.

Enrique, who only took charge after the 2018 World Cup, walked away from the job to focus on his family, after discovering his daughter Xana was suffering from bone cancer.

He kept his daughter’s illness quiet until August, when the family announced that she had died at the age of nine.

Moreno, who is well liked by Spain’s senior stars, stated in September that, if Enrique wanted to return, he would happily step aside for his close friend.

Luis Enrique stood aside earlier this year

“I consider Luis a friend and ahead of everything is friendship,” Moreno, who had acted as assistant to Enrique previously at Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona, said.

“If one day he wants to return, I would be delighted to take a step to the side and work with him.”

On Monday night, a matter of hours before Spain thrashed Romania 5-0 at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Cope reported that the Spanish Football Federation had already contacted former boss Enrique over a potential return at next summer’s finals.

If indeed that is the case, it is unlikely to be a surprise to Moreno, who has won seven and drawn two of his nine games in charge, given his relationship with Enrique and RFEF chief Luis Rubiales.

Moreno watches on on Monday night

Moreno insisted ahead of the clash with Romania that he wasn’t bothered about speculation over his future.

“[I have] No need to sit down with Rubiales, nor [sporting director Jose] Molina, who are the people who trust me and I trust,” said Moreno.

“I give more value to what they tell me privately.

“They have always told me everything they had to say to me. I did not expect any more roundness from the president.”

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Also on Sunday however, RFEF chief Luis Rubiales refused to confirm any long-term plans involving Moreno stating: “When qualification is completed next week, we will reflect on the situation,” he said.

“We are very happy with Robert, and that has not changed. Once the tournament is completed we will look again at the matter.”

Further reports in Spain claim that Rubiales and RFEF chiefs will meet with Moreno on Tuesday.

Spain beat Romania comfortably in Madrid, thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz, Gerard Moreno (2), Mikel Oyarzabal and an own goal from Adrian Rus.





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