Spain's World Cup adventure came to a shock end on Sunday after they lost to tournament hosts Russia in a penalty shoot-out in Moscow.
Fernando Hierro refused to "point the finger" or "lay the blame at the feet of others" after Spain's stunning World Cup exit, instead accepting full responsibility for their defeat to Russia.
Hierro was parachuted in as coach a day before the tournament got underway after Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales opted to sack Julen Lopetegui for failing to keep him abreast of a move to Real Madrid.
The 50-year-old Hierro guided Spain through the group phase but his team could not conjure up a winner despite 120 minutes of domination against a Russia side who prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out in their last-16 tie following Sunday's 1-1 draw.