Fernando Hierro, the RFEF’s new sports director, has insisted that he has no influence over team selection, rendering his friendship with Raul irrelevant in that regard.
The Spanish Football Federation underwent a considerable change in the technical staff in September, with Real Madrid icon at the head of this revolution. In an interview with Marca, the new sporting director shed light on the selection process.
“It is understood that the European Championship victory has provided peace & tranquillity. I have a very respectful relationship with Luis Aragones, but I am not going to think about the past. I have not considered the past when electing coaches”, he said.
Continuing, Hierro stated, “Raul knows that the sporting director has no influence on the squad selection. Of course I have an opinion but it is a matter for the coach.”
Raul has not pulled on the red jersey of the Selección since the humiliating loss to Northern Ireland in September 2006.