World Cup 2018: Fernando Hierro named Spain boss after Julen Lopetegui sacked on eve of kick-off
Lopetegui, 51, was fired after Real Madrid yesterday confirmed that he would become their new manager
FERNANDO HIERRO is to boss Spain at the World Cup after Julen Lopetegui was fired.
Hierro is stepping in with Spain in chaos as Lopetegui, 51, paid the price for Real Madrid announcing that he was soon to become their new manager.
The Spanish FA have confirmed that Hierro, who was their technical chief, will take training and pick the side during the World Cup.
Former Madrid and Bolton defender Hierro worked as an assistant at the Bernabeu and spent the 2016-17 season in charge of Real Oviedo in the Spain's second tier.
He now has just over 48 hours before La Roja face neighbours Portugal in their opening group clash in Sochi.
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales is furious Real's announcement has overshadowed their preparations so close to the start of the tournament.
Taking aim at Madrid, Rubiales said: “I found out (Lopetegui was leaving) with one or two calls five minutes before the official announcement. We have been forced to make this decision, I do not go into how one or another club acts.
“Real Madrid are looking for a coach and is looking for the best, that is normal, I will not say anything about that.
“But while that coach is working for the Spanish Federation you can not do things this way.
“You have to have a clear message for all the workers inside the Football Federation that there is a way to act and behave.
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“I have spoken with the players, they reacted well and will do everything possible together with the new management team to win the World Cup.
“Winning is very important but there are more important things, such as the ways of working, which is why, even though Lopetegui is a top coach, we have been forced to take this decision.
“We are grateful to Julen for everything he has done because he is one of the people most responsible for getting us to Russia. But we felt we were obliged to sack him."