Football
Alex Kirkland, ESPN FC 4y

Luis Enrique blasts Robert Moreno as 'disloyal' on Spain return

Luis Enrique has branded his predecessor and former assistant Robert Moreno as "disloyal" in a presentation for his return to his role as Spain coach.

Moreno took temporary charge of the national team in March when Luis Enrique's daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer, before being appointed on a full-time basis in June.

Moreno left the job last Tuesday after Spain completed their qualification for Euro 2020 with a 5-0 win over Romania, with Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales saying: "It was left clear that when Luis Enrique wanted to return, he could."

Speaking at a news conference at the national team's headquarters in Las Rozas on Wednesday, Luis Enrique said: "I feel obliged to give more explanations than I would like, because this controversy has been generated by someone who worked with me for many years.

"I had a meeting with Robert Moreno on Sept. 12. It's the only contact I've had with him. We met for 20 to 30 minutes at my house.

"It was clear he wanted to coach at the Euros. It wasn't a surprise, I saw it coming, I understand -- he's ambitious. But for me it was disloyal.

"I don't want anyone like that in my staff. It's a huge defect. I understand his position, but I'd never share it."

Luis Enrique has been given a contract until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and his backroom staff will remain the same, with the notable absence of Moreno.

When asked last week if their relationship had broken down, Moreno told reporters: "I don't know, ask him. It's best if it stays between us. I don't have anything to say, because I don't think it would be good for anyone, least of all me."

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The turbulent reign of president Rubiales has seen five Spain coaches in the last 17 months, with Luis Enrique being introduced on Wednesday in the same room as his first presentation in July 2018.

He was forced to leave the team on the eve of a European Championship qualifier in Malta in March after his daughter Xana's diagnosis. She passed away in August at the age of nine.

"I'm not the bad guy here, but I'm not the good guy either," Luis Enrique said about the manner of his return.

"I don't regret anything, but I don't feel proud of seeing people suffer. I feel responsible. That's the reality and part of the blame is mine."

Luis Enrique will attend Saturday's Euro 2020 group stage draw in Bucharest, in which Spain will be seeded.

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