Fernando Hierro, the stand-in manger of the Spain National Team has stepped down after the country’s exit at the on-going 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Hierro was hastily ushered into the post following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui just days before the competition began following the announcement that his predecessor would take up a role with Real Madrid at the end of the tournament.
Spain started the competition with a 3-3 draw then defeated Iran 1-0. They won Group B after a 2-2 draw with Morocco but flirted with the exit door as they fell behind in that match.
Once in the knockout phase, they held the upper hand on Russia but were ultimately eliminated after penalties, which was enough to convince Hierro that the role is not for him.
In a statement, the RFEF said: “After many kilometres of walking together, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship once the participation of Spain in the World Cup in Russia ended. The coach declined to return to his previous position as sports director of the RFEF to seek new horizons and undertake new professional challenges.
“After two spells as sporting director of the Federation, the first between 2007 and 2011 – coinciding with the best period of the national team, which won the 2008 European Championship with Luis Aragones as coach and the 2010 World Cup with Vicente del Bosque – and the second from November 2017 until now, the RFEF wants to thank Fernando Hierro for his commitment and sense of responsibility when he took the lead in the national team in this extraordinary situation, as well as in the performance of all his duties.
“The Federation wants to highlight the professional and human values of an extraordinary athlete who wants the best of fortunes.
“Thanks for everything, Fernando!”
With Reports From Goal.com
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