Spain appoint former Real Madrid captain as Lopetegui's replacement

 

The Spanish Football Federation have confirmed Fernando Hierro as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement for the 2018 World Cup.

 

Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish FA, announced this morning his decision to sack Lopetegui two days before their World Cup opener.

 

Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui will step down as Spain boss after the World Cup and succeed Zinedine Zidane.

 

Rubiales only found out five minutes before the announcement and is furious that Spain’s World Cup campaign has been undermined.

 

It is understood that the Spanish squad attempted to convince Rubiales against sacking Lopetegui, but they fell short in their attempts.

 

Rubiales confirmed in his press conference that Spain would look to appoint someone from within in any attempt to minimise any upheaval.

 

 

Spain Under-21 head coach Albert Celades was tipped for the job, but they have now turned to former Real Madrid captain and Spain sporting director Hierro.

 

The 50-year-old hasn’t managed since steering Real Oviedo to an eight-place finish in the Spanish second-tier in the 2016/17 campaign.

 

In that campaign, Hierro finished with a win ratio of 40.5%. His first game in charge of Spain will be their World Cup opener against Iberian rivals Portugal.