Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as Spain manager one day before the World Cup after being confirmed as the new Real Madrid boss ahead of Russia 2018.
Lopetegui had penned a new contract to 2020 just 21 days ago, but the lure of succeeding Zinedine Zidane proved too much, meaning he will not continue following the conclusion of Spain’s involvement in the tournament.
RFEF president Luis Rubiales was said to be “furious” and “deeply upset” after Los Blancos confirmed Lopetegui as their new boss.
The premature announcement, it was feared, could unsettle the team unity, with the clear preference for the news to not be leaked until Spain’s involvement had finished.
Zidane made the shock decision to resign after winning an unprecedented third successive Champions League title.
