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The Spanish Football Federation has appointed Luis Enrique as Spain's new national team coach, the president of the federation Luis Rubiales said during a press conference on Monday.
A former midfielder for Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Enrique won two Liga titles, one Champions League and three King's Cups as Barca coach between 2014 and 2017.
He also coached Celta Vigo and Barca's reserve team and has spent the past year on sabbatical since leaving the Nou Camp in May 2017.
Earlier on Monday, Spanish media had speculated the development.
Leading newspaper Marca said on their front cover the 48-year-old has been chosen by Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales as the successor to Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked the day before the World Cup.
The story was echoed by radio station Onda Cero and the website of daily AS.
The Federation have scheduled a media conference on Monday to announce changes to the organisation's structure after Fernando Hierro, who took charge of the team during the World Cup, left his role as sporting director.
The 2010 champions were knocked out of the tournament by hosts Russia in the second round, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
A former midfielder for Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Enrique won two Liga titles, one Champions League and three King's Cups as Barca coach between 2014 and 2017.
He also coached Celta Vigo and Barca's reserve team and has spent the past year on sabbatical since leaving the Nou Camp in May 2017.
Earlier on Monday, the federation announced Jose Molina has replaced Hierro as sporting director.
Rubiales also said before Luis Enrique's appointment that Spain's players had no say in who the new coach would be.
Luis Enrique's first game in charge will be a UEFA Nations League game away to England at Wembley Stadium on September 8.
As Barcelona coach Luis Enrique worked with Spain internationals Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, as well as Andres Iniesta who has already announced his retirement from international football.
Pique is yet to announce whether he plans to fulfil his earlier pledge to quit the Spain team after the World Cup, which he made in 2016.
