Returning Spain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-spain-coach-moreno-to-be-replaced-by-luis-enrique-reports-263300">coach Luis&nbsp;Enrique</a>&nbsp;has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return.

Luis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luis-enrique-resigns-as-spain-coach-and-is-replaced-by-robert-moreno-228796">Enrique&nbsp;resigned</a> from the role in June to spend more time with his daughter Xana after she was diagnosed with cancer, later passing away in August aged nine.

His long-time assistant Moreno succeeded him and helped Spain qualify for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a> as group winners but had an unceremonious end to his short time as coach and left the role after Spain's 5-0 win over Romania on Nov. 18.

Moreno declined to give a news conference after that match as confusion reigned but the following day it was confirmed Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;was to return as the team's head coach.

"The only person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in my coaching staff is me," Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;told a news conference at his unveiling as Spain coach on Wednesday.

"He came to see me in my house and told me he wanted to lead the team at Euro 2020 and afterwards he would be happy to be my assistant coach again."

"I understand that he has worked very hard to be the coach and that he is ambitious - but for me that is disloyal. I would never do something like that and I don't want someone with those characteristics in my staff."

Moreno first worked alongside Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Barcelona</a>'s B team and followed him to AS Roma, Celta Vigo and back to Barca, later joining his coaching staff when he landed the Spain job in July 2018.

"I understand his decision but cannot agree with it and told him I didn't want him as my assistant and that I felt strong," added Luis&nbsp;Enrique.

"Ambition is to be encouraged but excessive ambition is a defect, not a virtue."

The former Barcelona coach said he did not inform the Spanish national federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of his intention to return to the role but he and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina offered him the chance to come back.

"This has not been a good year for me but I want to look forward and I want to pay back the faith that has been shown in me," he added.

Returning Spain coach Luis Enrique has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return.

Returning Spain coach Luis Enrique has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return. Luis Enrique resigned from the role in June to spend more time with his daughter Xana after she was diagnosed with cancer, later passing away in August aged nine. His long-time assistant Moreno succeeded him and helped Spain qualify for Euro 2020 as group winners but had an unceremonious end to his short time as coach and left the role after Spain's 5-0 win over Romania on Nov. 18. Moreno declined to give a news conference after that match as confusion reigned but the following day it was confirmed Luis Enrique was to return as the team's head coach. "The only person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in my coaching staff is me," Luis Enrique told a news conference at his unveiling as Spain coach on Wednesday. "He came to see me in my house and told me he wanted to lead the team at Euro 2020 and afterwards he would be happy to be my assistant coach again." "I understand that he has worked very hard to be the coach and that he is ambitious - but for me that is disloyal. I would never do something like that and I don't want someone with those characteristics in my staff." Moreno first worked alongside Luis Enrique at Barcelona's B team and followed him to AS Roma, Celta Vigo and back to Barca, later joining his coaching staff when he landed the Spain job in July 2018. "I understand his decision but cannot agree with it and told him I didn't want him as my assistant and that I felt strong," added Luis Enrique. "Ambition is to be encouraged but excessive ambition is a defect, not a virtue." The former Barcelona coach said he did not inform the Spanish national federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of his intention to return to the role but he and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina offered him the chance to come back. "This has not been a good year for me but I want to look forward and I want to pay back the faith that has been shown in me," he added.

Person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in coaching staff is me: Enrique

Spain&nbsp;coach Robert Moreno is to be dismissed from the role, according to Spanish media reports on Monday, after his side <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-spain-thrash-romania-amid-doubts-about-coach-morenos-future-263082">thrashed Romania 5-0 </a>in their final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-france-celebrate-2-0-win-in-albanias-new-stadium-262830">Euro 2020 qualifier</a>.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that former&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;coach Luis Enrique is set to make a sensational return five months after resigning from the role due to the illness of his daughter Xana, who tragically passed away in September.

The Spanish soccer federation did not respond to a request for comment on Moreno's future but announced that their president Luis Rubiales and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina will hold a news conference on Tuesday.

Moreno, Luis Enrique's long-time assistant who was given the top job in June, refused to give the usual post-match news conference and did not speak to any media, with El Mundo saying he bid farewell to the players after the game in tears.

Moreno won four out of six games in charge of&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and drew two, with his side clinching a place at Euro 2020 last month with a 1-1 draw away to Sweden.

Spain&nbsp;also won all three games when Moreno took temporary charge between March and June while Luis Enrique was on leave. They <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-sergio-ramos-gives-spain-winning-start-205278">finished top of Group F</a>, taking 26 points from 10 games.

Moreno, an international relations graduate who had no playing career, was thrust into the biggest job in Spanish football in unusual circumstances following Luis Enrique's resignation in June.

He revealed he felt "bittersweet" about getting the role, and in September said he would be happy to step aside if Luis Enrique decided he wished to return to the job.

Questions about Moreno's suitability for the role began to emerge following sluggish 1-1 draws away to Norway and Sweden in October, although&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;responded to those results by hammering Malta 7-0 on Friday to clinch top spot in Group F.

Doubts grew about Moreno's future when federation president Rubiales declined to say whether he would be in charge at Euro 2020.

Moreno said before the Romania game that he was not ruffled by Rubiales' dithering over his future and suggested he was confident he would remain in charge.

"It's normal that you are questioned in your job, especially if you are in the spotlight, and all I can do is focus on my work. I think I have a 10 out of 10 chance of staying," he said.

Spain coach Robert Moreno is to be dismissed from the role, according to Spanish media reports on Monday, after his side thrashed Romania 5-0 in their final Euro 2020 qualifier.

Spain coach Robert Moreno is to be dismissed from the role, according to Spanish media reports on Monday, after his side thrashed Romania 5-0 in their final Euro 2020 qualifier. Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that former Spain coach Luis Enrique is set to make a sensational return five months after resigning from the role due to the illness of his daughter Xana, who tragically passed away in September. The Spanish soccer federation did not respond to a request for comment on Moreno's future but announced that their president Luis Rubiales and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina will hold a news conference on Tuesday. Moreno, Luis Enrique's long-time assistant who was given the top job in June, refused to give the usual post-match news conference and did not speak to any media, with El Mundo saying he bid farewell to the players after the game in tears. Moreno won four out of six games in charge of Spain and drew two, with his side clinching a place at Euro 2020 last month with a 1-1 draw away to Sweden. Spain also won all three games when Moreno took temporary charge between March and June while Luis Enrique was on leave. They finished top of Group F, taking 26 points from 10 games. Moreno, an international relations graduate who had no playing career, was thrust into the biggest job in Spanish football in unusual circumstances following Luis Enrique's resignation in June. He revealed he felt "bittersweet" about getting the role, and in September said he would be happy to step aside if Luis Enrique decided he wished to return to the job. Questions about Moreno's suitability for the role began to emerge following sluggish 1-1 draws away to Norway and Sweden in October, although Spain responded to those results by hammering Malta 7-0 on Friday to clinch top spot in Group F. Doubts grew about Moreno's future when federation president Rubiales declined to say whether he would be in charge at Euro 2020. Moreno said before the Romania game that he was not ruffled by Rubiales' dithering over his future and suggested he was confident he would remain in charge. "It's normal that you are questioned in your job, especially if you are in the spotlight, and all I can do is focus on my work. I think I have a 10 out of 10 chance of staying," he said.

Football: Spain coach Moreno to be replaced by Luis Enrique

Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) from the start of next season, they said on Thursday.

The top leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany are already using VAR, which allows disputed incidents to be reviewed with the use of video replays, and the technology was used at the World Cup in Russia this year.

The English clubs were provided with an update on this season's VAR trials, with key examples of its use in the FA Cup and League Cup discussed in detail.

"The League will now formally make a request to the International Football Association Board and (world body) FIFA to use VAR next season," the Premier League said in a statement.

The decision comes after contentious refereeing decisions overshadowed a 1-1 league draw between Southampton and Watford last weekend.

Southampton striker Charlie Austin demanded the introduction of VAR after his goal was disallowed by referee Simon Hooper, who deemed Maya Yoshida to have interfered with the ball from an offside position.

The English top-flight was one of the first leagues to adopt goal-line technology in 2013 but had voted unanimously against VAR ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, instead agreeing to continue testing the system.

The initial trials in English domestic cup matches last season received mixed reviews, with fans often complaining that they were being left in the dark when decisions were made.

"The Premier League's non-live testing programme will remain in place for the rest of this season, with a continued emphasis on those Saturday afternoons which have several matches being played concurrently," the League added.

The VAR system uses a match official who monitors video footage of the game for incidents that the on-pitch referee and his assistant referees might have missed, such as determining goals, red cards, penalties and cases of mistaken identity.

How VAR decisions are communicated to the fans in the stadiums will also be addressed, the league confirmed.

The use of VAR was hailed as a success by FIFA after the World Cup in Russia, which saw 455 incidents checked in 64 matches at an average of 7.1 per game. Those incidents led to 20 reviews, with 17 decisions changed as a result.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes the time is right for the league to use the technology, which should help the officials to make correct decisions during match-defining moments.

"I think it is a good thing. I know a lot of people are against it but we've got to embrace it now and move forward," he told the BBC.

"We've seen this season a number of incidences that have been called wrong, especially this weekend when there were a number of goals ruled out when they shouldn't have been.

"I think as long as we get the training and education right, and we get the right personnel, that's the most important thing for me."

VAR will also be used in the Champions League from next season.

Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) from the start of next season, they said on Thursday. The top leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany are already using VAR, which allows disputed incidents to be reviewed with the use of video replays, and the technology was used at the World Cup in Russia this year.

Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) from the start of next season, they said on Thursday. The top leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany are already using VAR, which allows disputed incidents to be reviewed with the use of video replays, and the technology was used at the World Cup in Russia this year. The English clubs were provided with an update on this season's VAR trials, with key examples of its use in the FA Cup and League Cup discussed in detail. "The League will now formally make a request to the International Football Association Board and (world body) FIFA to use VAR next season," the Premier League said in a statement. The decision comes after contentious refereeing decisions overshadowed a 1-1 league draw between Southampton and Watford last weekend. Southampton striker Charlie Austin demanded the introduction of VAR after his goal was disallowed by referee Simon Hooper, who deemed Maya Yoshida to have interfered with the ball from an offside position. The English top-flight was one of the first leagues to adopt goal-line technology in 2013 but had voted unanimously against VAR ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, instead agreeing to continue testing the system. The initial trials in English domestic cup matches last season received mixed reviews, with fans often complaining that they were being left in the dark when decisions were made. "The Premier League's non-live testing programme will remain in place for the rest of this season, with a continued emphasis on those Saturday afternoons which have several matches being played concurrently," the League added. The VAR system uses a match official who monitors video footage of the game for incidents that the on-pitch referee and his assistant referees might have missed, such as determining goals, red cards, penalties and cases of mistaken identity. How VAR decisions are communicated to the fans in the stadiums will also be addressed, the league confirmed. The use of VAR was hailed as a success by FIFA after the World Cup in Russia, which saw 455 incidents checked in 64 matches at an average of 7.1 per game. Those incidents led to 20 reviews, with 17 decisions changed as a result. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes the time is right for the league to use the technology, which should help the officials to make correct decisions during match-defining moments. "I think it is a good thing. I know a lot of people are against it but we've got to embrace it now and move forward," he told the BBC. "We've seen this season a number of incidences that have been called wrong, especially this weekend when there were a number of goals ruled out when they shouldn't have been. "I think as long as we get the training and education right, and we get the right personnel, that's the most important thing for me." VAR will also be used in the Champions League from next season.

Premier League set to use VAR from next season

Spain coach Luis Enrique resisted the temptation to criticise his players after their "awful" first-half display as they went down 3-2 to England in the Nations League on Monday for their first home loss in a competitive game for 15 years.

Two goals from Raheem Sterling and a Marcus Rashford strike gave England a stunning 3-0 halftime lead -- the first time Spain had ever conceded three goals in a competitive home game -- in the League A Group 4 match in Seville.

"Our performance in the first half was awful, we have to recognise that, we could not press well and the first goal killed us," Luis Enrique told reporters after his first defeat as Spain coach, having won all three of his previous games.

Spain's limp performance saw them booed off at the break in Real Betis' 60,000-capacity Benito Villamarin stadium.

They were far the better side in the second half as Paco Alcacer scored before the hour and Sergio Ramos headed home in the last action of the match but could not prevent a loss that ended Spain's run of 38 competitive home games without defeat.

"I was marvellous in the halftime break because the normal thing would have been to kill the players but I tried to keep their spirits up and told them many top teams have suffered recently," Luis Enrique added.

"I understand my team did not need a kick up the backside or a fierce critique or to make sweeping changes, I needed to strengthen them, make a couple of tactical tweaks and put them on a positive dynamic and we saw that in the second half.

"We pushed them (England) all the way back in the second half and it's a shame we didn't score the second goal earlier, because our fans would have scored the third by themselves."

A win against England would have booked Spain's place in the Nations League semi-finals next June and although they remain in charge of their group on six points, they need to win their final match away to Croatia to ensure they top the group.

Luis Enrique said he was still upbeat about his side's prospects despite the surprise defeat by England.

"A group with two World Cup semi-finalists is not easy and we still depend on ourselves, now we have to go to Croatia and win," he added.

"Now I have a long time to go and think. I like a lot of players in this squad a lot. Now it's time to prepare the artillery."

Spain coach Luis Enrique resisted the temptation to criticise his players after their "awful" first-half display as they went down 3-2 to England in the Nations League on Monday for their first home loss in a competitive game for 15 years.

Spain coach Luis Enrique resisted the temptation to criticise his players after their "awful" first-half display as they went down 3-2 to England in the Nations League on Monday for their first home loss in a competitive game for 15 years. Two goals from Raheem Sterling and a Marcus Rashford strike gave England a stunning 3-0 halftime lead -- the first time Spain had ever conceded three goals in a competitive home game -- in the League A Group 4 match in Seville. "Our performance in the first half was awful, we have to recognise that, we could not press well and the first goal killed us," Luis Enrique told reporters after his first defeat as Spain coach, having won all three of his previous games. Spain's limp performance saw them booed off at the break in Real Betis' 60,000-capacity Benito Villamarin stadium. They were far the better side in the second half as Paco Alcacer scored before the hour and Sergio Ramos headed home in the last action of the match but could not prevent a loss that ended Spain's run of 38 competitive home games without defeat. "I was marvellous in the halftime break because the normal thing would have been to kill the players but I tried to keep their spirits up and told them many top teams have suffered recently," Luis Enrique added. "I understand my team did not need a kick up the backside or a fierce critique or to make sweeping changes, I needed to strengthen them, make a couple of tactical tweaks and put them on a positive dynamic and we saw that in the second half. "We pushed them (England) all the way back in the second half and it's a shame we didn't score the second goal earlier, because our fans would have scored the third by themselves." A win against England would have booked Spain's place in the Nations League semi-finals next June and although they remain in charge of their group on six points, they need to win their final match away to Croatia to ensure they top the group. Luis Enrique said he was still upbeat about his side's prospects despite the surprise defeat by England. "A group with two World Cup semi-finalists is not easy and we still depend on ourselves, now we have to go to Croatia and win," he added. "Now I have a long time to go and think. I like a lot of players in this squad a lot. Now it's time to prepare the artillery."

Luis Enrique slams Spain's first-half display against England

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night.

A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era.&nbsp;

The Three Lions became the first team to put three goals past Spain in a competitive home international and won in the country for the first time since 1987.

Marcus Rashford was the other scorer in a breathless opening 45 minutes, which witnessed Spain conceding three on home soil for the first time in their history.

Praising his side for putting up a spectacular show, Gareth Southgate said England showed quality and were brave.

"The quality of the performance - we played with courage and used the ball with courage. If you come and defend for 90 minutes they will unlock you.

"We really showed some quality and a good mentality to play out of their pressing. Spain the side are very aggressive in the way they press. All our players, right through the team, were brave enough to play the way we wanted to play," he continued to add.&nbsp;

"It's fine to have an idea of how you want to play but to do it is a huge credit to them," he concluded.&nbsp;

England lost 2-1 at home to Spain in their Nations League opener and were held to a goalless draw in Croatia last time.

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era.

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era. The Three Lions became the first team to put three goals past Spain in a competitive home international and won in the country for the first time since 1987. Marcus Rashford was the other scorer in a breathless opening 45 minutes, which witnessed Spain conceding three on home soil for the first time in their history. Praising his side for putting up a spectacular show, Gareth Southgate said England showed quality and were brave. "The quality of the performance - we played with courage and used the ball with courage. If you come and defend for 90 minutes they will unlock you. "We really showed some quality and a good mentality to play out of their pressing. Spain the side are very aggressive in the way they press. All our players, right through the team, were brave enough to play the way we wanted to play," he continued to add. "It's fine to have an idea of how you want to play but to do it is a huge credit to them," he concluded. England lost 2-1 at home to Spain in their Nations League opener and were held to a goalless draw in Croatia last time.

UEFA Nations League: Southgate's 'Three Lions' led by Raheem, Rashford stun Spain

Spain continued their sparkling start to life under Luis Enrique with a 4-1 win away to Wales in a friendly on Thursday helped by two goals from Paco Alcacer as they earned a third straight win since their former Barcelona manager took charge.

Alcacer continued his rampant form by smashing the ball into the top corner in the eighth minute at the Principality Stadium, scoring for the fifth game in a row after netting seven times in his last four outings for Borussia Dortmund.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos doubled the lead with a header from Suso's freekick in the 19th and striker Alcacer volleyed his second after a defensive mix-up before the half-hour mark.

Defender Marc Bartra, who like Alcacer played under Enrique at Barca, got his first international goal with a header from a corner in the 74th, Spain's 12th strike under the new coach after beating Croatia 6-0 and England 2-1 in the Nations League.

Wales striker Sam Vokes got a consolation for Ryan Giggs' side in the 89th, heading a David Brooks cross beyond goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who replaced David de Gea in the second half.

Wales were without injured Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, although he watched from the stands and was honoured on the pitch at halftime for becoming his country's record scorer last March when he overtook Ian Rush's tally of 28 goals.

The home side's injury problems worsened when teenager Ethan Ampadu was forced off early in the second half.

Both sides are in Nations League action next week with Spain hosting England on Monday and Wales visiting Ireland on Tuesday.

Spain continued their sparkling start to life under Luis Enrique with a 4-1 win away to Wales in a friendly on Thursday helped by two goals from Paco Alcacer as they earned a third straight win since their former Barcelona manager took charge.

Spain continued their sparkling start to life under Luis Enrique with a 4-1 win away to Wales in a friendly on Thursday helped by two goals from Paco Alcacer as they earned a third straight win since their former Barcelona manager took charge. Alcacer continued his rampant form by smashing the ball into the top corner in the eighth minute at the Principality Stadium, scoring for the fifth game in a row after netting seven times in his last four outings for Borussia Dortmund. Spain captain Sergio Ramos doubled the lead with a header from Suso's freekick in the 19th and striker Alcacer volleyed his second after a defensive mix-up before the half-hour mark. Defender Marc Bartra, who like Alcacer played under Enrique at Barca, got his first international goal with a header from a corner in the 74th, Spain's 12th strike under the new coach after beating Croatia 6-0 and England 2-1 in the Nations League. Wales striker Sam Vokes got a consolation for Ryan Giggs' side in the 89th, heading a David Brooks cross beyond goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who replaced David de Gea in the second half. Wales were without injured Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, although he watched from the stands and was honoured on the pitch at halftime for becoming his country's record scorer last March when he overtook Ian Rush's tally of 28 goals. The home side's injury problems worsened when teenager Ethan Ampadu was forced off early in the second half. Both sides are in Nations League action next week with Spain hosting England on Monday and Wales visiting Ireland on Tuesday.

Alcacer double helps Spain ease to 4-1 win over Wales

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has given a strong indication that he will retire from international footbal after 16 years. 
 
The 35-year-old did not play in any of Spain&#39;s four games at Euro 2016, with national team coach Vicente del Bosque picking Manchester United&#39;s David De Gea in goal. 
 
Casillas, who made his debut in 2000 and is Spain&#39;s most capped player with 167 appearances, posted a video on his twitter account (@casillasworld) of a Rambo film with the dialogue saying: &quot;I don&#39;t know where but I&#39;m going.&quot; 
 
He then posted a message which said: &quot;I&#39;m proud to feel the love of the people today and as always, everyone together for the national team.&quot; 
 
De Gea made a string of saves to keep Spain within striking distance of Italy on Monday before Antonio Conte&#39;s men got a late second goal for a 2-0 second-round win. 
 
The goalkeeper also expressed hope for the future of the national team. He tweeted on @D_DeGea: &quot;Losing is part of the sport as well as getting up after a defeat. We&#39;ll come back!&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The 35-year-old did not play in any of Spain's four games at Euro 2016

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has given a strong indication that he will retire from international footbal after 16 years. The 35-year-old did not play in any of Spain's four games at Euro 2016, with national team coach Vicente del Bosque picking Manchester United's David De Gea in goal. Casillas, who made his debut in 2000 and is Spain's most capped player with 167 appearances, posted a video on his twitter account (@casillasworld) of a Rambo film with the dialogue saying: "I don't know where but I'm going." He then posted a message which said: "I'm proud to feel the love of the people today and as always, everyone together for the national team." De Gea made a string of saves to keep Spain within striking distance of Italy on Monday before Antonio Conte's men got a late second goal for a 2-0 second-round win. The goalkeeper also expressed hope for the future of the national team. He tweeted on @D_DeGea: "Losing is part of the sport as well as getting up after a defeat. We'll come back!" (Reuters)

Spain football veteran Casillas hints at retirement

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