Julen Lopetegui: Spain to 'SACK' coach before the World Cup after Real Madrid announcement

Coach Lopetegui and RFEF president Luis Rubiales are expected to be present with sources in Spain claiming Lopetegui will be sacked following the announcement he will take over as Real Madrid manager.

That would send Spain’s World Cup into chaos with their first game against Portugal on Friday.

Yesterday Real Madrid announced the Spain boss would take over as their new manager following Spain’s involvement in the World Cup.

“Julen Lopetegui will be the Real Madrid coach after the celebration of the 2018 World Cup,” the Real Madrid statement read.

“Real Madrid C. F. announce that Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of the first team during the next three seasons.

“Julen Lopetegui will join the club after Spain’s participation in the World Cup, after two years leading the national team.”

And now it appears the 51-year-old will be replaced a day before the tournament starts.

Rubiales is said to be fuming at the announcement, only learning about it 15 minutes before it was made public, after Lopetegui signed a new deal with Spain until 2020 on May 22.

Spain are among the favourites for the tournament but face a huge task should Lopetegui go.

It is being claimed the most likely candidates to replace him are Under 21 manager Albert Celades or Fernando Hierro.

Spain open their campaign on Friday against Portgual before facing Iran and Morocco.

The press in Spain were split on the decision to make the announcement of the appointment now.

Spanish newspaper SPORT branded the appointment, which came just 48 hours before the World Cup begins, as ‘reprehensible’.

“The consequences of it can be disastrous for the Spanish team,” wrote Lluis Miguelsanz.

“What is clear is that Lopetegui has been negotiating his future as the new Los Blancos coach while preparing for the World Cup, something that is ethically already reprehensible.

“There is no doubt that the coach has all the right in the world to train whoever he wants, but his standing is questioned by the proximity of the start of the competition.

“The situation demands immediate explanations.”

Spanish newspaper Marca, meanwhile, appeared to defend Real for their appointment and dampened down worries over its timing.

Marca, known to be a Real mouthpiece, published: “That it was not the ideal moment is evident ... but it is also true that circumstances have determined this outcome.”

They added: “It is clear that the arrival of coach Julen to Madrid has not been done at the most opportune time for the national team.

“But with the professionalism and commitment of all, the squad should not be affected. Surely it is like that.”