The move threatens to destabilize one of the most highly-rated teams in the tournament, with La Roja set to play Portugal on Friday. Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as manager of Spain, after taking the Real Madrid job on Tuesday. Lopetegui was announced as Zinedine Zidane's successor in a move that surprised many just days before the World Cup in Russia is due to start.
The announcement initially claimed that the 51-year-old would take the reins at Santiago Bernabeu after the conclusion of the tournament, but La Roja has acted now after calling a hastily-arranged press conference on Wednesday.
"We have decided to fire the national coach," Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, said. "What we have achieved in getting here is due in great part to him, and we must thank him and wish him luck."
Rubiales insists he does not feel undermined but has suggested that Real acted in a manner unbecoming of their status. He added: “I don’t feel betrayed. Lopetegui has done impeccable work. How all this has been done is something else. "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. "Real Madrid looks for the best coach, that is fine by me. I have no opinion about how Real Madrid act. But the federation has an obligation to represent all Spaniards.
"To win is very important, to have the best coach is 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.”
Lopetegui was unbeaten in his time in the Spain dugout, guiding his team to 14 wins and six draws from 20 matches, and he signed a new two-year contract to take him through to Euro 2020 in May.
The stunning development threatens to destabilise a team regarded as one of the favourites to win the tournament in Russia. Spain face Portugal on Friday, and will also face Iran and Morocco in Group B. Rubiales has not revealed who will be in charge for La Roja's opening game of the tournament, but insists that an announcement will be made in due course. “We are going to touch as little as possible," he said. "We are working on it. When we know we will tell you.” It has been reported that several Spain players were keen for Lopetegui to stay on throughout the tournament, but that Rubiales was keen to act after finding out of the manager's agreement with Real Madrid mere minutes before the announcement was made.
| Posted: at | |
slimber
TRENDING GISTS 
Banner Calling Out "Home Wrecker" With Her Face & Work Place Display On Plastered By A Roadside
How Bandits Storm Kaduna Community In Fresh Attack, Killed 23 Persons
Mother Who Admitted Smothering Her 2month Old Baby To Death With Pillow While High On Meth Is Found Not Guilty
I Wish They'll Bring Back Those Days When Men Will Go To War And Never Return - Woman Blows Hot
Controversial Singer, Portable Celebrates Wife, Bewaji On Her Birthday, Shares Lovely Photos
VID: Tiktoker Nickie DaBarbie Accuses Singer, Skiibi Of Attempting To Use Her For Ritual
Is It Normal For A Man To Wash His Partner's Pant? - Actor Adeniyi Johnson Asks
JUST IN: FCCPC Shuts Down Popular 4U Supermarket in Abuja Over ‘Unfair Pricing’