Lopetegui: I don’t regret it

– Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui (above) has said he is over his sacking from the Spanish national team and does not regret joining the European champions even though it cost him the chance to manage at the World Cup.

Lopetegui was fired the day before the World Cup started for announcing his move to Real behind the organisation’s back, throwing Spain’s tournament preparations into chaos.

“I simply took a decision and I would take the same one again, I did it in the most honest way possible and I don’t regret anything,” Lopetegui said yesterday.

Spain, the 2010 world champions, were one of the favourites to win the World Cup but suffered a shock last-16 defeat by hosts Russia in a penalty shootout.

At his presentation at Real after being sacked, Lopetegui said “yesterday was the worst day of my life, today is the best”.

Spain begin a new era under coach Luis Enrique on Saturday with a Uefa Nations League game away to England before hosting Croatia on Tuesday. – Reuters

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