Questions for Enrique after disappointing Spain campaign
MADRID: Spain coach Luis Enrique promised evolution rather than revolution when he took charge of the national side following their disastrous World Cup campaign this year when they were eliminated in the round of 16.
Three wins in his first three games, including a dominant 2-1 win over England at Wembley and a 6-0 hammering of World Cup finalists Croatia, had fans believing La Roja were returning to their imperious best. Led by Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos and an attack spearheaded by the likes of Isco and Saul Niguez, Enrique’ s new-look spain appeared to possess all the swagger that the 2010 world-conquering squad did.
However, in reality it has been a mixed bag for the former Barcelona coach with two wins and two defeats from four UEFA Nations League games.
After the initial success, which also included a 4-1 friendly win over Wales, successive 3-2 losses to England and Croatia have left Spain without a spot in the new competition’s semi-finals and more questions than answers for the 48-year-old.
“When we took over the national team we knew the score and we were building a group,” Enrique said. “I’d love to have qualified for the final four, but the objective is Euro 2020 and we are working on it.”
If Spain are to live up to their billing as one of the favourites for the European Championship in two years’ time, there is plenty to improve on.