The Spanish FA have made the bizarre decision to sack coach Julen Lopetegui with barely 30 hours to go before the World Cup starts.
Lopetegui was recently announced as Zinedine Zidane’s successor as Real Madrid coach, a decision that compelled the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to show him the door.
“I know it’s a very difficult situation. I know there’s going to be criticism whatever I do,” RFEF president Luis Rubiales said.
Rubiales claimed Lopetegui’s negotiation with Madrid occurred without any knowledge of the RFEF.
“I’m sure this will, in time, make us stronger. I admire Julen very much, I respect him very much. He seems a top trainer and that makes it harder to make the decision.
“You can’t do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been compelled to make this decision.”
Spain’s opening World Cup match against Iberian rivals Portugal will take place on Saturday morning at 4am (AEST), giving the side just over 48 hours to find a coach before kick-off.
Lopetegui had been in charge of La Roja for the past two years, taking the head coach’s role in July 2016. A replacement has not yet been named.
Mark
Guest
The reason is pretty simple. Madrid will want to negotiate with agents for potential transfers while the World Cup is on, and players coming in (or considering going out) will want to know who the manager will be. Making the announcement now eliminates the uncertainty, which would otherwise limit their ability to conduct transfer business during the World Cup.
Matt H
Roar Guru
They need the US and China to qualify as much as possible. That's the economics of it all.
AGO74
Guest
Egos. Real Madrid have the biggest egos in all of European football which is saying something. Granted they are very successful but this is on a whole other level. Madrid believe they are bigger than anything. Also if this disrupts the Spanish team and it leads to an early elimination for Spain then it means the Madrid players will be on international duty for a lesser period. More wins for Real Madrid.
Mark
Guest
The Spanish team has had a pretty consistent set of players and style of play for a while now, stretching back to before Lopetegui was in charge. The whole mess isn’t ideal, of course, but I wouldn’t overrate its impact. Take advantage of their odds blowing out a bit and put a bet on them to win the cup. As a Madrid fan, it’s a very shrewd appointment. He seems a good fit for what the team needs.
Kris
Guest
Rubiales has only been in the job 6 weeks, he has thrown a temper tantrum here. Just let Lopetegui coach the next month and then take up the Madrid job - which is what the players wanted.
13th Man
Guest
Very bizarre but why didn't the coach and Real Madrid wait until after the World Cup to announce the move? Just seems like a shambles and I reckon Portugal are now favourites on Saturday morning!
13th Man
Guest
To be fair Portugal finished 3rd in there Euro group and yet won the whole thing.... But yeah it kind of defeats the whole purpose of the world cup. Look at how hard it is to get out of the group currently, but when it changes it will just sap the quality out of the cup.
lesterlike
Guest
Disgraceful decision.
Andrew
Roar Guru
The Euro's going from 16 to 24 teams was a disaster - 16 was the optimal number for a clean, efficient tournament structure, likewise 32 with the WC. Some of the dross that finished 3rd in their group and still qualified for the knockouts (Northern Ireland for example) made the quality of the whole tournament diminished. 48 team WC will be so bloated.
me too
Guest
well that's one way for canada to get into the world cup. not sure the idea of three automatic qualifiers if fair, but given there are 48 teams why not? probably see a few more joint bids in the future. not sure i like the two qualifiers out of three team groups either.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
BREAKING NEWS, United States, Canada and Mexico to host 2026 WC! Sanity prevails. https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2018/m=6/news=canada-mexico-and-usa-selected-as-hosts-of-the-2026-fifa-world-cuptm.html
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Real Madrid taking elite club football to another level of self indulgence, European clubs have totally lost me with their greed in the last few years. Anyhow Diabolical to sack the Spanish coach , to save face . Sam Allardyche or David Moyes are ready to take over .
shirtpants
Roar Guru
Smokies or one of the favourites?
shirtpants
Roar Guru
All so Real Madrid could announce their manager before the tournament? Ooof this isn't going to go down well with the fans.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Spain has scored the first own goal of the 2018 World Cup, before the whistle has been blown to start even the first game.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Petulant indeed. Were serious smokies but this won't help
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Oh wow that is unbelievably hasty. Surely that disrupts their preparation.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Insanity Spain have a dam good team this year I hope this doesnt have to much of an impact but it is hard to see how it couldn't.
Bfc
Guest
Poor form by RM and Perez (club President...) if they went behind the back of the RFEF... Spain has been so stable in International football until now, and the actions of RM can't help their WC campaign. Portugal now the favourite to win derby on Sat methinks...