Fernando Hierro leaves role with Spain after World Cup exit
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Updated 08/07/2018 at 11:56 GMT
Fernando Hierro has left his position as sporting director of Spain following their World Cup exit on penalties at the Round of 16 stage.
Fernando Hierro, sporting director of Spain looks on prior to the International Friendly match between Spain and Switzerland at Estadio de La Ceramica on June 3, 2018 in Villareal, Spain.
Image credit: Getty Images
Hierro was interim manager for the national team during the tournament, a last-minute replacement after Julen Lopetegui was sacked.
His team scraped their way to the top of Group B with five points by beating Iran 1-0 and drawing with Portugal and Morocco, and then lost on penalties to Russia in the Round of 16.
A statement said the former Real Madrid player had "declined" to return to his previous role and will instead "undertake new professional challenges".
Hierro had previously said he accepted responsibility for the team's failure to advance any further in the World Cup.
"We all tried to give it our best but that's football," he said.
"I don't think you can talk about the team breaking down or collapsing. There's a fine line between winning and losing."
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