Hierro unclear on Spain future: Staying is not my decision FIFA World Cup 2018 - Spain vs Russia "We have a dressing room feeling a lot of pain"

The inquest has begun into how Spain were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup and Fernando Hierro is uncertain whether he will continue as coach.

Drafted in at the last minute following Julen Lopetegui's sacking, the former defender was previously the Spanish FA's technical director and he expects the decision to be out of his hands.

"It is and has been a pleasure to coach this team," he told reporters in Moscow.

"Staying on is not my decision. After this elimination, my [future] is the least [important]."

Spain never really got going in the four matches Hierro has taken charge of, making for an underwhelming campaign in Russia that culminated with defeat to the hosts on Sunday.

"We had said that, in the three group matches, there is room for error. In the last-16, there is not, and we understand that," he added.

"Honestly, the team has behaved professionally on a day-to-day basis, those who have played and those who haven't.

"It has been wonderful to coach them and I empathise with the fans. We have a dressing room feeling a lot of pain."

The coach also defended his role in the last-16 exit and paid tribute to the work of his players day-in, day-out in Russia.

"We all have pain, we came here to do something important, to fight for the World Cup, but this is football," said Hierro.

"[Defeat is] nothing to do with our commitment, effort, companionship, and our effort every day.

"It has been a pleasure to coach them. If there is any self criticism for myself as a coach, if someone wants to understand that you have to take responsibility, I know that I put myself at the front.

"I have made decisions from the first day."