4 coaches that could land the Spain job

It has been a tumultuous few weeks for the Spanish national team. They headed to Russia full of optimism at their chances of rediscovering the spark that fired them to glory in South Africa in 2010 and they did so with a highly rated coach, who had recently signed an improved contract.

However, as Florentino Perez came calling and Julen Lopetegui found the lure of Real Madrid too great to turn down, the wheels were set in motion for a dramatic series of events that contributed to a World Cup campaign that ended in an early exit against Russia, leaving La Roja looking for a third Head Coach in the space of a month.

With Fernando Hierro set to resume his role as sporting director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, a new appointment is imminent as Spain gear up for the UEFA Nations League and what should be the relatively simple prospect of qualifying for Euro 2020.

With the majority of the most highly-rated Spanish coaches already employed, their options are not plentiful but here are three men who could be in the frame as La Roja move into a new era without the likes of Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique:

#4 Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique on the surface is a good fit for the Spain job. He has been out of work for a year now following what has to be viewed as a successful stint at Camp Nou. The intensity of that job ensured he was likely to take a break from football but the Asturian is now keen to return to work and has so far failed to land a big job this summer despite rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea.

International management may be more to his liking given he’s a man with many passions outside of football and would perhaps relish the lack of day-to-day involvement, a factor that puts many young coaches off taking an international job.

His most recent ties obviously lie with Barcelona but Luis Enrique also played for Real Madrid during his career not to mention 62 times for Spain and he is someone capable of striking the balance and maintaining a harmony between the two main factions in the dressing room.

#3 Quique Sánchez Flores

In terms of out of work Spanish coaches, the next most viable and high profile candidate is Quique Sánchez Flores. The 53-year-old is another former Spain international and has managed a host of clubs in La Liga, most recently Espanyol.

His first season at the RCDE Stadium was a success but things tailed off in the 2017/18 season and the writing was on the wall when he openly flirted with the idea of taking over as Stoke City boss.

Dismissed on April 20th, Flores is looking for a new job this summer and while Espanyol flattered to deceive last term, high-profile victories over Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid helped ensure he is still held in high regard by some in Spain.

The Spanish Football Federation doesn’t have the sort of funds that Real Madrid or Barcelona can throw at coaches and Sánchez Flores wouldn’t command a huge salary so it’s certainly a realistic option although it’s fair to say his appointment wouldn’t be greeted with any great excitement amongst fans of La Roja.

#2 Zinedine Zidane

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Zinedine Zidane would have to be classed as a left-field option particularly given Spain have never had a coach who could unquestionably be classed as a foreigner. They’ve previously hired Uruguayan and Filipino-born bosses but all naturalised Spaniards so Zidane’s appointment would be a turn away from tradition even though he has spent most of his football career in the country.

There is though a fair degree of logic in Spain moving for Zidane. Real Madrid are the biggest contributors to this current squad with players such as Isco and Marco Asensio likely to lead their challenge in the coming years. Zidane knows both men well and has played a key role in their development and would certainly also command the respect of the non-Real players in this squad too.

His record of three straight Champions League wins is remarkable but there are those that still question his tactical prowess and he may not walk straight into another big club job, nor would he perhaps want to. International management appears to suit his slightly aloof status as a somewhat reluctant coach. The France job would clearly be a more likely move but with Didier Deschamps contracted until 2020 and Les Bleus enjoying a strong World Cup, it’s a position that may not be vacated any time soon.

#1 Quique Setién

Quique Setién would be a bold and popular choice given the success he has had in La Liga in recent years with Las Palmas and Real Betis. His attacking football has won many admirers and he is highly thought of by the Spanish Football Federation, who considered making a move for him prior to this World Cup following the departure of Lopetegui.

However, the one very obvious obstacle to a move for Setién then and now is that he is just one year into his reign at Betis and appears to be laying the foundations for a real challenge at home and in Europe in 2018/19. Betis would certainly be reluctant to let him leave without a fight and there is no guarantee that Setién would take the job in any case.

Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales is already dealing with a lot of criticism for his handling of Lopetegui’s departure and may not be willing to risk the embarrassment that would accompany a failed move for Setién.

Edited by Arvind Sriram