Spain: Luis Enrique gives his version of events

So, the conclusion is that Robert Moreno's ambition got the better of him and that brought about the end for him. Instead of allowing time and circumstances to take their course, he got ahead of himself and that upset Luis Enrique, his chief champion. That's what can be drawn from the latter's version of events as he re-took the Spain helm yesterday. He talked intelligently and calmly. He spoke of a meeting that lasted 20 minutes - such a short encounter is indicative of how relations have cooled between the two - in which he felt that this wasn't the same person he had worked with for so many years. Everything then came to a head, leaving us with Moreno's unpleasant exit. Now it's as you were, with Luis Enrique as boss.

Rather than 'disloyal', I think 'ambitious' better describes Moreno's conduct

But no longer with Moreno as assistant. I think what's happened between them is natural. The relationship between successor and succeeded is tricky, even if, as is the case here, one has contributed to the appointment of the other. Florentino Pérez did so with Fernando Martín, who lasted as long as it took him to believe he really was Real Madrid president. And don't get me started on the political world. Often, the person making way expects a degree of deference from their successor that perhaps isn't forthcoming, and it can take as little as a refusal to heed advice from the individual who has left the post, but still feels within their rights to influence it, for that individual to be angered and even move to reclaim their position.

Something along those lines has happened here, clearly. What I don't know, having listened to Luis Enrique yesterday, is if Moreno's conduct merits the word 'disloyal'. 'Ambitious', certainly. Either way, I think he'd be best advised to leave the matter be now* and resist the temptation to come back with the typical "he's the one who was disloyal" retort, as much as he feels desperate to do so. As well as netting him a decent sum of money, his experience with Spain has left him with priceless top-level experience. Not long ago, he was a semi-unknown assistant in Luis Enrique's backroom team; now, his good work in the Spain dugout will have opened up a lot of doors. And the sooner this is all put to bed, the better for everyone, him included.

*Since the original, Spanish version of this article was written, it has been confirmed that Moreno will speak to the media at 18:30 CET on Thursday.