Spain Sack Manager Julen Lopetegui On Eve Of World Cup
The manager is headed to Real Madrid.
Spain have sacked their manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup, and just two days before their first match of the tournament.
News broke earlier this week that the Spaniard had agreed a three-year deal to replace Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid boss, and the REFE have now confirmed that the decision - and the way it was handled - has cost him his job. Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA, said at a press conference:
"We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish him the greatest of luck.
“The negotiations have occurred without any information to the Spanish FA and we were informed just five minutes before the press release. There’s a way to act that needs to be fulfilled.”
It doesn't leave Spain with much time to find a replacement, with Rubiales commenting that: "We are going to touch as little as possible. We are working on it. When we know we will tell you.
“I have spoken with the players and I can guarantee they will do everything, along with the new coach, to take the team as far as possible. To win is very important, to have the best coach very important, but above everything is acting in the right way. Maybe this is tough now, but in the end it will make us stronger."
Spain, who are among the favourites for the tournament, play their first group game against Portugal on Friday.