Spain appoints Luis Enrique

Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO MADRID, Spain — Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has signed a two-year deal to take charge of the Spanish football team.

He replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was fired on the eve of the World Cup after accepting the job at Real Madrid.

Fernando Hierro took temporary control for the finals, where 2010 world champion and 2008 and 2012 European Championship winner Spain was knocked out 4-3 on penalties by host Russia in the Last 16

“The decision has been unanimous,” Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales said on Luis Enrique’s appointment. “I like his commitment. He has let better financial opportunities pass in order to be national team coach.

“This coach fulfills all the parameters to take charge of the team. Luis Enrique is bringing his backroom staff, but this is a matter he will speak about next week.”

Luis Enrique, as both player and coach, didn’t fit the typical model of the cerebral tactician steeped in the ways of Barcelona. But his fiery spirit proved to be just as successful— while it lasted.

He started out as a player for his local Sporting Gijon team on Spain’s Atlantic coast. He then won one league title while playing for Real Madrid before moving to fierce rival Barcelona in 1996, where he went on to win two more Liga crowns and became the captain before retiring in 2004.