Seriously, this has shocked everyone! Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as Spain head coach just a day before the commencement of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.
BREAKING: Spain have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after he was named as the new Real Madrid boss yesterday. Just hours to the World Cup. 😳😳 #KweseFIFA pic.twitter.com/udWwOSAT0I
— Andrew Kabuura. (@andrewkabuura) June 13, 2018
Lopetegui Joins Real Madrid
On June 12, 2018, a surprise announcement was made that the Spanish former footballer Lopetegui would now take over as the new head coach of Real Madrid on a 3-year contract to succeed Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu, after the involvement of Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The club released a statement, “Julen Lopetegui will join the club after Spain’s participation in the World Cup, after two years leading the national team.”
As a result, the 51-year-old footballer was dismissed from his position as Spain Manager just 2 days before the team’s opening game against Portugal at the World Cup.
Well, this comes as a big blow to everyone.
Moreover, the announcement has sparked outrage among the federation as well as the Spanish fans.
Meanwhile, Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales has too confirmed the news on Wednesday.
In a press conference at Spain’s World Cup base in Krasnodar, Luis said that Lopetegui’s decision has obliged him to him to take such a drastic step.
In July 2016, Lopetegui was appointed Spain’s coach and the guy has never tasted defeat in the job interesting led his team to 20 unbeaten games ahead of the World Cup. Now, that’s impressive, isn’t it?
Spanish FA president, Luis Rubiales:
“Lopetegui’s been a great coach, but we can’t accept this behaviour. This has been done without our knowledge. The FA cannot be left outside the negotiation of one of its employees and find out just 5 mins before a public announcement.” pic.twitter.com/P275A9CQfB
— Arsène's Son 🎈 (@hughwizzy) June 13, 2018
Rubiales further said, ” I am here to say that we feel obliged to sack the national team manager.”
“We have been forced to dispense with the coach, remembering all the good things he has given us,” he said.
Reports say that the players had even tried to intervene at the last minute to stop Rubiales sacking Lopetegui.
He added, “I have spoken with the players and what I can guarantee is that the players will do everything in their power, along with the new technical team to take the team as far as possible.”
Meet the new manager- Fernando Hierro
Now, the Ex-Barcelona goalkeeper is replaced by the Spain sporting director Fernando Hierro, who will take charge of Spain was the shocking dismissal Lopetegui.
Real Madrid and Former Spain international Fernando Hierro has taken charge of the Spanish national team in the wake of the shock decision to sack Julen Lopetegui yesterday #SABCKuzobaLit pic.twitter.com/6TiJ8WIqS4
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) June 13, 2018
Also, Under-21 coach Albert Celades have also been tipped to take over for at least the World Cup.
While Rubiales said that the team is now entirely focused on Friday’s match against Portugal in Sochi.
“All this is a big blow, but we are training again later today, we will stay together and move forward.” He said, “The players are very focused and they have told me they are fully committed and will give 100 per cent.”
It will be interesting to see how Spain performs in FIFA World cup 2018.
Meanwhile, it’s time to bid adieu to Julen Lopetegui.
Check out the reactions of fans on Twitter:
Luis Rubiales is just a sentimental bastard,how can you sack a coach on the eve of the World Cup just because he signed a contract with a club,that’s really selfish,sacking Julen Lopetegui now is wrong
— kene🧢 (@kene_jo) June 13, 2018
Julen Lopetegui signed a 2-year contract with Spain till 2020 then went behind their back to sign for Real Madrid. Well deserved sack.
This is real life not FIFA 18.
— Ebuka Akara (@ebuka_akara) June 13, 2018
Sacking Spain coach, Julen Lopetegui, two days before World Cup is MOST ridiculous football decision taken. Unbeaten in qualifying, players loved him & his replacement Fernando Hierro has no pedigree as top manager. If Spanish go out early, expect backlash.
— David Minchella (@David_Minchella) June 13, 2018
I support Spain's decision to sack head coach Julen Lopetegui.
If he had any bit of respect for the national team, he wouldn't have sign a deal without involving them. Perez should learn to put country first before club matters.
Funny enough, lopetegui won't last till 2019 in RM— ♚ Ugℓу Nαke∂ Gυу ???? (@t_riumphant) June 13, 2018
Real Madrid: “We have announced that Julen Lopetegui will be our next manager.”
Spain: pic.twitter.com/mSob1e6udt
— Aaron Wan-Bisscammer (@Nigerianscamsss) June 13, 2018
You wonder what Julen Lopetegui is feeling now. Gain one, lose one!
Spain sacks him after Real announced deal for him. He leaves!
Fernando Hierro takes over Spain for the #FIFA18WorldCup
— Thierry Nyann (@nyannthierry) June 13, 2018
Spain sacking Julen Lopetegui is utter madness! The man had never lost a game for the national team and could’ve quite easily joined Madrid after the World Cup! pic.twitter.com/UzDP7MBgwN
— Michael McIndoe (@MichaelMcIndoe) June 13, 2018
Why couldn't Real Madrid and Julen Lopetegui just wait till after the World Cup?
Now Lopetegui could become public enemy in Spain! He didn't put country first at a time he should!
— Yours Truly !! (@IFEontheMIC) June 13, 2018