The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that the national team coach Fernando Hierro has decided to step down from his position.
The 50-year-old specialist unexpectedly took over the reins of the national team just a few days before the World Cup, when Julen Lopetegui was dismissed.
The results of the long-time "Real" Madrid player were certainly not pleasing - in Russia, the Spanish team achieved only one victory out of four matches and was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the tournament hosts.
"After many kilometers traveled together, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro decided to end their relationship after the World Cup in Russia. The coach did not agree to return to his previous position as RFEF's sports director and seek new professional challenges."
"After two terms as the federation's sports director - the first between 2007 and 2011, coinciding with the national team's best period, winning the 2008 European Championship with Luis Aragones and the 2010 World Cup with Vicente del Bosque, and the second from 2017 until now, the RFEF wants to thank Fernando Hierro for his dedication and sense of responsibility when taking over the national team in an unusual situation, and for his performance in all of his duties."
"The federation wants to emphasize the extraordinary athlete who seeks the best, professionalism, and human values."
"Thank you for everything, Fernando!"
The most criticism throughout the championship was caused by Hierro's decision to leave Andrés Iniesta on the bench in the quarterfinal showdown. It was precisely this decision that proved fatal for the Spaniards.
