Sources close to Roberto Moreno say he feels “used and betrayed” by Luis Enrique and Rubiales, who officially informed the coach of the end of his tenure on Tuesday morning, before offering a press conference to explain the situation
Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales had earlier confirmed Luis Enrique’s reappointment as Spain head coach in place of Robert Moreno.
Previously Spain’s assistant coach under Luis Enrique, Moreno took over in March, initially in a caretaker capacity, when the former Barcelona boss learned that his daughter, who died in August, was seriously ill.
Having become aware of his imminent departure on Monday, Moreno did not appear for his post-match press conference after Spain’s 5-0 victory over Romania in Euro 2020 qualifying – a result that ensured that La Roja, who had already won Group F, will be one of the top seeds at next summer’s finals.
Moreno is said to have been “not in the right frame of mind” to face the media at the Wanda Metropolitano and, aS has learned, broke down in the dressing room as he told his players that his time in charge was to come to a close.
After steering Spain to three wins out of three as caretaker, he oversaw four victories and two draws following his appointment on a full-time basis.
When he was confirmed as coach in June, Moreno said he’d be willing step aside if Luis Enrique later wished to resume the role – but, after successfully steering the Spaniards through qualifying, he had been increasingly eager to see this rewarded with an extension to his one-year contract, and was unhappy to see Rubiales twice refuse to publicly back him this international week.
