Luis Enrique likely to be named Spain coach as Fernando Hierro leaves job

Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is to be named as the new Spain coach, according to widespread reports in the Spanish media on Monday.

Leading newspaper Marca said on their front cover the 48-year-old has been chosen by Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales as the successor to Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked the day before the World Cup.

The story was echoed by radio station Onda Cero and the website of daily AS.

The Federation have scheduled a media conference on Monday to announce changes to the organisation's structure after Fernando Hierro, who took charge of the team during the World Cup, left his role as sporting director.

Hierro, who stood in as Spain coach when Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2018, will not continue in the role, the Spanish football federation said on Sunday.

"After travelling many kilometres together, the Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro have put an end to their relationship," the federation said. Hierro declined to return to his previous job as the federation's technical director and 'will undertake new professional challenges', the federation wrote.

Spain, the 2010 champions were knocked out of the tournament by hosts Russia in the second round, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

A former midfielder for Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Enrique won two Liga titles, one Champions League and three King's Cups as Barcelona coach between 2014 and 2017.

He also coached Celta Vigo and Barca's reserve team and has spent the past year on sabbatical since leaving the Nou Camp in May 2017.