After Spain demolished Croatia in Elche on Tuesday night, and coming so soon after an accomplished performance at Wembley against England, it’s odd to think that there were some people that were against Luis Enrique’s appointment.
Seen in some quarters as a divisive presence, there were genuine question marks as to whether he was the right man for the job.
With those two wins already under his belt, and achieved in such style, perhaps his outwardly demeanour was always going to change.
Journalists, in particular, are enthralled and enthused by a much more engaging and polite Lucho, and not the angry, unapologetic coach they dealt with during his time at Barcelona.
Talking of the Blaugrana, Jordi Alba is no fan of Enrique’s and less so after being left out of his first two Spain squads, but this new, some would say improved, Enrique, is just as likely to have the lightning-fast left-back in the squad for the next round of Nations League games.
He’s already admitted to making a mistake with Iago Aspas, which surprised many, and he’s even taken to gleefully accepting supporters’ requests for pictures etc.
Would we have seen the same open and willing coach if things hadn’t gone so swimmingly? Highly unlikely, and we may yet see the ‘old’ Lucho rearing his ugly head again, but what’s clear is that Enrique has a very definite way of working in mind and clearly his players have responded.
Importantly, the buy-in from his staff extends right across the squad.
It was expected that he would clash with Sergio Ramos from the start, but as it’s turned out, the captain has been one of his biggest supporters.
With youth also being given a chance across the two games played so far, and with more changes promised, there is a genuine feeling of optimism after the debacle of Julen Lopetegui’s sacking on the eve of the last World Cup.
Losing the likes of Gerard Pique, David Silva and Andres Iniesta from the national side could’ve been a body blow that took some time to recover from.
Thankfully for all concerned Enrique has managed to hit the ground running, and through a mixture of discipline, common sense and hard work, he has freshened up the squad whilst injecting the necessary dose of confidence required.
There won’t be anyone questioning him now, as he sets about putting La Roja back at the top of the tree.
