Luis Enrique spoke publicly about his departure from Spain’s national team during a live interview with Ibai Llanos, broadcast to a wide audience online.
Luis Enrique Martínez stepped away from his role as Spain’s head coach last Thursday following La Roja’s exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the round of 16 after a penalties defeat to Morocco. The Spanish Football Federation chose not to renew his contract and appointed Luis de la Fuente as the new coach.
Where to watch the Luis Enrique interview with Ibai Llanos about his departure from the Spain national team, including the live stream, Twitch channel, and online video
Key statements from Luis Enrique
“I am ready for whatever comes next. Boundless possibilities open up when I am free. I feel very happy.”
“Do I miss streaming? Not really, but I valued the connection with people.”
“I had no grand plan, it was an experiment. We thought it could be interesting. The aim was not to undermine the media, there was no negative goal.”
“Your Ibai set is top. It proves you are number one. I will imitate it.”
“The downside of these tournaments is that in 90 minutes, sometimes 120, everything can hinge on a single moment. We did not perform as well as we hoped, but I am proud of what we accomplished with my staff. Instilling confidence in young players stirred enthusiasm, and streaming proved a useful tool for this.”
“No member of the press spent even a tenth of the time my team and I spent calling players. And ten percent would be generous.”
“From what I saw, there were many young people on the call and a willingness to adopt new tools. The world is changing, and that is a positive trend. Twitch serves as a genuine channel for communication. I am grateful for the support from fans and the ‘Luispadriquianos’. I enjoy joking and having fun.”
“It happens at press conferences that questions keep returning, even after I have answered the same thing several times.”
“We all want to feel loved, regardless of who we are.”
“When will I start streaming again? Today I spoke with Twitch about possibly one farewell stream. Maybe I will do one last broadcast.”
“I wish Luis de la Fuente all the best. He is a kind, capable person.”
“I would never stop supporting the national team out of dislike for the coach. I came with Ibai because you are number one.”
“Often, the question becomes a stage for criticism. I began live shows only after matches started because that was my free time. We had dinner at nine, and then I went to the office to stream.”
“I do not expect to return to the World Cup as a coach soon, but who knows what the future holds. Maybe a different chapter in four years could appear.”
“The national team has been a dream. Right now I see myself content and ready to focus on club football. I would like to continue, unless something truly remarkable happens.”
“I signed a four-year contract. After the European Championship they offered a renewal, but I preferred to wait until after the World Cup. They said there would be no offer; the contract expired and I was happy with what had been achieved.”
“During the penalties I felt the nerves, yes. I experienced the shootout with the same tension as in the Eurocup. I watched the score from the bench. I am a restless person, yet I handle these moments naturally.”
“I believe we missed a strong opportunity. Watching the semi-finalists, I do not see anyone clearly better than us. Now Luis de la Fuente takes the reins, but the level of the team suggested a great chance was wasted.”
“I will watch and enjoy the semi-finals and the final. I would love to see Argentina win for Leo Messi and for what Messi means to football.”
“If there is advice for coaches, it is to seek input from a psychologist. Good guidance helps when working with young players. For those aiming to grow in football, it is important to pursue coaching courses and wait for opportunities in higher levels.”
“If there is a return to Celta de Vigo, who knows? I have fond memories, despite what is said.”
“I earned little at Celta de Vigo. In fact, they paid what they wanted.”
“Winning a trophy with Sporting or the World Cup? The World Cup is the pinnacle. The people of Gijón are deeply connected to the national team, and that is why two stars on the shirt can be earned.”
“It would be remarkable if Morocco won the World Cup. A France-Croatia final is unlikely to be repeated, and Morocco lifting the trophy would be fantastic.”
“Bono provided strong data on penalties; he guessed eight of ten shots. Not that he stopped them, but his reads were accurate.”
“There has never been a special bond with the press.”
“At Real Madrid I got along well with García Calvo. At Barcelona I had good relations with Abelardo, Puyol, and Iván de la Peña.”
“I mentioned that in this World Cup I would have given Pablo Sarabia more minutes. I saw him well in training and would have started Sarabia in the match.”
“Coaching this group was easy because I selected them. The level was impressive, and the players formed great bonds. It has been fulfilling and exciting.”
“I am not a follower of the Women’s League, though I do pay attention to women’s cycling.”
“If the list had allowed it, I would have adjusted the squad to 25. I would have told you exactly who would have stayed and who would have left. It would have still been a tough group stage.”
“After a game, I usually do not go into the dressing room. But during a World Cup I did visit to offer comfort. My advice is not to do that after a loss.”
“The player I loved at the World Cup was Pedri. He is like Harry Potter in the way he moves. The closest comparison is Iniesta in spirit and stature.”
“Our team scored the most goals in the tournament, yet the opponent also had its moments; Morocco performed admirably.”
“Would I return to the national team? Certainly. My gratitude to the Federation and everyone involved remains strong.”
The broadcast began at nine in Spain and could be watched live on Ibai Llanos’s Twitch channel, one of the platform’s most popular hubs. Ibai has previously interviewed high-profile players like Kun Agüero, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Thibaut Courtois, and Gerard Piqué. He has also hosted other sports figures in the “Chat quietly” segment, including Sergio Ramos.
Luis Enrique continues to push boundaries with new formats and technologies, a move he already explored during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by streaming daily. He has not spoken publicly since his departure was announced following the World Cup exit, a note he posted on social media.
Source: Goal