The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui.

This comes just two days before their first World Cup game against Portugal. RFEF president Luis Robiales alleges the federation was kept uninformed of negotiations between Lopetegui’s camp and Real Madrid. This disrespect is what caused his sacking.

Lopetegui, Madrid’s next manager for the next 3 years, has 14 wins and 6 draws in 20 games and energized La Roja after the debacle of Euro 2016. Coaching your national team to a World Cup is the pinnacle of the managerial career path. We have to admit that Lopetegui will be coaching the best team in the World for the next 3 years (assuming he lasts that long) but this has got to be a major shock.

Fernando Hierro will replace the 51-year old. The ex-Madrid and Bolton Wanderers defender was the sporting director of the national team before being asked to replace Lopetegui.

If the players rally behind Fernando Hierro, as I am sure they will, Spain can still have a fantastic World Cup! 

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Related: Real Madrid appoint Spain National Team Coach Julen Lopetegui as manager

Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on Unsplash