World Cup 2018: Fernando Hierro steps down from Spain role

Published on: 08 July 2018

Breaking news

Fernando Hierro, who led Spain at the 2018 World Cup, has stepped down as coach and will not return to his former role as sporting director.

Hierro was placed in temporary charge of the team after Julen Lopetegui was sakced on the eve of the tournament.

However, the 2010 world champions were knocked out on penalties by hosts Russia in the last 16.

Hierro, 50, has decided to "seek new horizons", according to the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

A statement said the former Real Madrid player had "declined" to return to his previous role and has opted to "undertake new professional challenges".

Spain topped Group B. However, they conceded a late equaliser against Portugal and trailed Morocco 1-0 and 2-1 before scraping a draw in injury time.

After their surprise exit to Russia, Hierro said he accepted responsibility for the team's failure to advance any further.

"We all tried to give it our best but that's football," he said.

"I don't think you can talk about the team breaking down or collapsing. There's a fine line between winning and losing."

Source: bbc.com

Source: bbc.com

Comments