Lopetegui announced he was taking over as Real Madrid head coach yesterday - and less than 24 hours later was sacked by Spain
FERNANDO HIERRO took charge of his first training session as Spain boss today as the man he replaced flew out of Russia.
In a dramatic 24 hours, it was announced that Julen Lopetegui would take over as new head coach at Real Madrid after leading Spain's World Cup campaign.
But part of that plan was thrown out of the window when the 51-year-old was SACKED by the Spanish Football Federation.
They were fuming that he had not discussed this move with them. Spain legend Hierro was then handed the reins.
Lopetegui is now flying back to Spain from Russia. On the plus side he has some more time to plan his La Liga season with Los Blancos.
And despite the tumultuous time the Spanish are going through, Hierro is confident his players have what it takes to stay focused.
Speaking at a news conference today, Hierro said: "They're [the players] great professionals who are mature and responsible.
"If I wasn't sure that we couldn't have a great tournament, I wouldn't be here.
"They are up for the challenge, like all Spaniards are. We need to get back on track and stay mature in this moment.
"The side will stay the same as it has done up until now, it's up to us to move on and put this behind us and think about what we are representing.
"Nobody can take the dream away from us."
Hierro, a former Real Madrid captain, refused to criticise his old club for their conduct, and admitted the chance to coach his country was an opportunity too good to turn down.
He added: "It's a nice challenge. I know the circumstances and Julen's work has been fantastic and I wish him all the best.
"It was a decision I had to take quickly it was a case of taking it or walking away, but I couldn't say no.
"I'd have never forgiven myself."
Lopetegui leaves the national job unbeaten in 20 games as coach, winning 14 and drawing six.
However he never guided Spain in a major tournament, having only taken over after Euro 2016.
QUALIFYING RESULTS
05/09/16 Liechtenstein H 8-0
06/10/16 Italy A 1-1
09/10/16 Albania A 2-0
12/11/16 Macedonia H 4-0
24/03/17 Israel H 4-1
11/06/17 Macedonia A 2-1
02/09/17 Italy H 3-0
05/09/17 Liechtenstein A 8-0
06/10/17 Albania H 3-0
09/10/17 Israel A 1-0
TOP SCORERS
5 Diego Costa
5 Alvaro Morata
5 Isco
MOST APPEARANCES
9 David De Gea
9 Sergio Ramos
9 David Silva
The new Spain boss believes the mood is still a good one in the Spain camp, and that is one of the reasons he took on the huge job
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales was 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.
“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."
