The brutal honesty of Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique surprised everyone present in the Luis Aragonés Suite along with everyone who has been expectantly following his return to the job as Spain coach. His statement, in which he explained why Robert Moreno is the only member of staff not present this Wednesday in the photo with the returning coach, was convincing, sincere and full of brutal honesty.

The happiness at his return was palpable in the room, as was the desire to find out what happened between the coach and his assistant. Luis Enrique gave his version with great detail, and even showed empathy with Robert Moreno in his telling of it, saying he understood Moreno’s motives for wanting to coach through to the European Championships but disagreeing, on the basis that what Moreno had done was disloyal.

Luis Enrique set out his principles: he would not have done what Moreno did - use a tragic event to further his ambition - and said that was the reason he couldn’t work with him. Having heard Luis Enrique it is clear that Rubiales and Molina were telling the truth when they set out their version of events. Luis Enrique showed his human side for the 45 minutes of the press conference and showed admirable composure after everything he’s been through. His thoughts on the pain and loss of loved ones was sincere too, extremely emotional and is well worth watching for everyone.

After the detailed explanation of the disagreement with the person who had been his assistant, there remains a fascinating question that none of the journalists there dared ask. After Luis Enrique officially left the Spain job on 19 June, did Robert Moreno only talk with him once, on 12 September? It’s better none of us asked it. It doesn’t matter. It’s time to look to the future. Hopefully things go well for Robert Moreno. And above all for Luis Enrique, because what’s good for him is good for fans of the Spain team. And Xana will be showing off that her Dad is the Spain coach. ¡Ole!