Ex-Wolves target Julen Lopetegui sacked as Spain boss on eve of World Cup
Spain have sensationally sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup after he was named the new Real Madrid boss
Lopetegui, who came very close to taking charge of Wolves back in 2016, will leave Russia just two days before their opening Group B match against Portugal.
Madrid announced on Tuesday that the 51-year-old would replace Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu on a three-year-deal.
“We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish him the greatest of luck,” said Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales.
“The negotiations have occurred without any information to the Spanish FA and we were informed just five minutes before the press release. There’s a way to act that needs to be fulfilled.”
Spain have announced sporting director Fernando Hierro will take charge of the team for the tournament.
