Spain sacks coach Lopetegui ahead of World Cup

Madrid [Spain], June 13 (ANI): Just a day after being appointed as new Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as the boss of the Spain football team.

The axing came a day before the commencement of the FIFA World Cup, where Spain will lock horns with Portugal in their opening clash in Russia on Friday.

Lopetegui was roped in as Zinedine Zidane's successor at the Real Madrid in a three-year deal and, that he would take over the reins following the World Cup.

However, Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales confirmed that they have decided to sack Lopetegui on the eve of the showpiece event.

"We have decided to fire the national coach. What we have achieved in getting here is due in great part to him, and we must thank him and wish him luck," goal.com quoted Rubiales, as saying.

Rubiales further lashed out at Real Madrid for not speaking to Lopetegui without their consultation.

"Real Madrid look for the best coach, that is fine by me. I have no opinion about how Real Madrid act. But the federation have an obligation, to represent all Spaniards.If anybody wants to talk to one of our employees, they have to speak to us too, that is basic, as this is the team of all Spaniards. The national team is the most important we have, the WC is the biggest of all," he added

Though Rubiales did not reveal as to who will be in charge for Spain's opening game of the tournament, he confirmed that the announcement would be made anytime soon.

"We are going to touch as little as possible.We are working on it. When we know we will tell you," he said.

Lopetegui, who spent three years as a defender at Real Madrid, had last month penned a new contract with Spain to take him through to Euro 2020 in May.

The Spaniard took over as the national team coach in 2016 after the retirement of Vicente Del Bosque, who guided the nation to victory in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.

On a related note, Spain are among the favourites for the title and are all set to take on Portugal, Morocco and Iran in Group B. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI