Spain appoint former ATK coach Jose Molina as Sporting Director

The 47-year-old will be working alongside former Barcelona gaffer Luis Enrique who was appointed as the head coach of the side.

The Spanish Football Federation has announced Jose Molina as the new Director of Football of the Spanish national team. The former ATK head coach took over from Fernando Hierro, who left the post after having to fill in as interim manager for Spain during a disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.

???? Comienza la rueda de prensa de presentación de José Francisco Molina como nuevo director deportivo de la @RFEF. Síguela en directo en https://t.co/bOzaKKwQtR #BienvenidoMolina pic.twitter.com/tV79178TCV

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) July 9, 2018

Hierro was apparently in line to return as the Sporting Director, but seems to have left his post altogether after a disappointing run as manager of the national side. Molina, who had been working as the manager of Mexican club Atletico San Luis after leaving his post as manager of ATK, will now play a big part in the selection of the national squad. He will also be responsible for overseeing the progress of the national team and will work together with the new Spain head coach Luis Enrique to help them get back to the top.

???? OFICIAL | @LUISENRIQUE21, nuevo seleccionador de la @SeFutbol#BienvenidoLuisEnrique pic.twitter.com/DuPcxVPyDI

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) July 9, 2018

The former ATK manager was thrilled to take up the position and in a press conference confirming his appointment, he said, "I appreciate the confidence of the RFEF to occupy this position. It's the best place you can work. A new stage opens and we hope to continue with the successes of all the selections."

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The President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, seemed pleased with the acquisition of Molina as the new Director of Football. Speaking about his thoughts on Molina Rubiales stated, "I like to hear the word 'success' in Molina's mouth. We have marked a style that has to evolve, but I am glad that it is on the line to recognize the good work that has been done in many years."

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He also added, "Our style has many good things and others that can be improved. When I sat down with Molina, I felt like growing up. We are not going to give up our style, but also not to improve it."

This is a huge move for Molina, who has come a long way since helping ATK win their second Indian Super League title in 2016. He will now play his part in helping Spain get back to the top of World football and win trophies with them like he did in his season with the Kolkata outfit.