Spain and Luis Enrique have gone hand in hand for three years, but beginning in 2023, supporters of La Furia Roja will have to get accustomed to a new face on the sidelines.
The former Barcelona manager was first appointed coach of Spain in 2018 before briefly stepping aside and then returning in November 2019.
Luis Enrique was generally liked by players and fans, leading Spain to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and a UEFA Nations League final.
But Spain will enter a new era in 2023 with Luis Enrique no longer on the sidelines and a new coach taking his place.
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Why did Luis Enrique leave Spain?
Luis Enrique and Spain went their separate ways after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
La Roja failed to meet expectations in Qatar with Luis Enrique's side knocked out in the Round of 16 after a surprise defeat to Morocco.
Spain had started the tournament strongly with a 7-0 win over Costa Rica, but ended the group stage in second place after a 2-1 loss to Japan.
Luis Enrique's contract was set to expire following the World Cup and the Spanish FA didn't take long to confirm his exit in the aftermath.
The 52-year-old seemed resigned to his exit after the Morocco defeat, saying: "Right now I'm looking forward to getting home to see my family and my dogs and be with them."
OFFICIAL: Luis Enrique has stepped down as Spain's head coach 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/EVXULFzzY8
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 8, 2022
Which team could Luis Enrique coach next?
With a strong CV behind him, Luis Enrique has attracted plenty of attention since he departed as Spain coach.
Having previously won La Liga and the Champions League, a number of European clubs have been linked with interest.
Premier League side Tottenham look set to part ways with manager Antonio Conte soon, and The Athletic claim Luis Enrique is a leading candidate to replace him.
Liverpool and Chelsea could also make a move for him should they look to make a managerial change, according to Fichajes.
While El Chiringuito have reported that Atletico Madrid has offered Luis Enrique a three-year deal that would only be activated should Diego Simeone decide to depart.
A club in Spain would likely appeal more to Luis Enrique, who lives there with his family.
