Winning The World Cup Is ‘Very Important’ – Spanish FA President Says After Sacking Manager

Spain are considering replacing coach Julen Lopetegui 24 hours before their World Cup opener.

Real Madrid named Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach on Tuesday afternoon (June 12) and the Spanish Football Association president, Luis Rubiales, claims they found out just five minutes before it was announced by the club. Former Spain and Real Madrid captain, Fernando Hierro and Spanish Under-21 coach Albert Celades have been link to take temporary charge. “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,” said Luis Rubiales.

Luis Rubiales was supposed to be at Fifa’s congress in Moscow on Wednesday but flew to Spain’s training base late on Tuesday night to address the move by Lopetegui. Spain play their opening match against Portugal on Friday evening, and will also take on Iran and Morocco in Group B.

“To win is very important, to have the best coach 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,” the Spanish FA president adds.

“I took a plane, came back from Moscow, missed the vote on the next World Cup to be here. We had to react, I know that whatever I do I will be criticised, I accept that.” Lopetegui signed a three-year deal to succeed Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

Photo Credit: Getty

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