Two more goals for Gerard—but is Spain really changing coaches?

Gerard Moreno scored two more goals for Spain today, with Santi Cazorla assisting on one, as Spain defeated Romania 5-0. (Raul Albiol came on as a sub, both Santi and Gerard were subbed off around the hour mark; Pau Torres did not play).

However, it was the news off the pitch that overshadowed the match. The RFEF, in something of an own goal for sure, is planning to sack Robert Moreno, and bring back Luis Enrique. Enrique took a leave of absence in March of this year, and resigned in June to be with his nine-year old daughter Xana, who passed away from bone cancer in August. Moreno, who was his assistant, took over for Enrique, and under him the national team has won 7 and drawn 2.

Yesterday, RFEF head Luis Rubiales was saying “Moreno would be judged on the team’s performances in Euro 2020”. Today, the word is there will be a press conference tomorrow where Enrique will be announced as the new coach. Moreno was apparently told of the news today—he did not appear after the Romania victory to meet the press.

When he was unveiled as Enrique’s replacement, Moreno said he would be willing to stand aside if Enrique wanted to return, but he cannot have envisioned the RFEF going behind his back to do that. It doesn’t reflect well on the RFEF, nor on Enrique for that matter. What was the rush? It’s not as if Spain has any more matches anytime soon (just a couple of friendlies in March, then the Euros in June).

Rubiales is already being criticized for the Supercopa moving to Saudi Arabia—now this.