• Former Barcelona manager replaces interim Fernando Hierro • His first game in charge will be against England in September

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Spain have named Luis Enrique as their new head coach after Fernando Hierro stepped down from temporary charge following their last-16 World Cup exit to Russia, the Spanish Football Federation (SFF) have announced.

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The former Barcelona manager has signed a two-year contract to take charge of his country. Spain sacked Julen Lopetegui just two days before their opening World Cup game against Portugal in Sochi, with the director of football, Hierro, named as his replacement in the interim.

Spain’s newly-installed sporting director, José Francisco Molina, said: “We need a successful coach, who’s modern and who knows the game style but can make small adjustments. We can’t swipe everything clean, with regards to all the work carried out.” His first game in charge will be a friendly against England, on 8 September at Wembley.

The president of the SFF, Luis Rubiales, said: “We have not spoken to anybody else - only Luis Enrique.”

Rubiales added that the decision to appoint Luis Enrique was unanimous. “We liked his commitment and he has turned down better paid jobs to coach the Spanish national team.”