BLOWING THEIR TITLE CHANCES
Shock move as Spain axes coach before Cup
SPAIN dramatically sacked coach Julen Lopetegui yesterday – just two days before the team’s opening game against Portugal at the World Cup.
In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Real Madrid appointed Lopetegui as Zinedine Zidane’s successor to take over after the tournament in Russia, sparking outrage among the federation and Spanish fans at the timing of the announcement.
At a severely delayed press conference at Spain’s World Cup base in Krasnodar, Spanish football federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales expressed his dismay at the timing of events that threaten to derail Spain’s World Cup chances.
“The national team is the team for all Spaniards and there are some decisions we feel obliged to take to protect some values,” said Rubiales.
“Negotiating is legitimate but it took place without the RFEF being informed until five minutes before a press statement was released. There has to be a message for all workers in the federation that there is a right way to do things.”
Lopetegui had signed a contract extension until 2020 just last month and never tasted defeat in his 20 games in charge as Spain boss.
No decision has yet been made over who will take charge in Russia, with Spain due to face European champions Portugal tomorrow before taking on Iran and Morocco in Group B.
Former Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierro, who is currently Spain’s sporting director, and Spain U21 coach Albert Celades have emerged as the principal candidates.
“We are going to change as little as possible and once we have something to communicate we will,” added Rubiales.
There were fears Lopetegui’s appointment by the European champions could open up old divisions between the Real Madrid and Barcelona factions in the Spain squad.
For the first time since 2006, there are more players from Madrid in a Spanish squad for a major tournament, with a six-strong Real contingent and just Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets from Barca.
However, according to reports in the Spanish media, the players tried to intervene at the last minute to prevent Rubiales sacking Lopetegui.
“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,” said Rubiales.
La Roja were among the favourites to lift the trophy but the astonishing developments of the past two days could have a devastating affect on their chances.
Lopetegui had a short playing career at both Madrid and Barcelona as a reserve goalkeeper.
However, his coaching career had been far from distinguished before being handed the role as Spain coach after a last-16 exit at Euro 2016 brought Vicente del Bosque’s eightyear reign to an end.
After short spells at Rayo Vallecano and with Madrid’s youth team Real Madrid Castilla, Lopetegui enjoyed a successful time with Spain’s U19s and U21s.
He then spent 18 months in charge of Porto but was sacked after exiting the Champions League at the group stage in his second season.