Hierro: I would sign up to be the Zidane of international coaching

Fernando Hierro is Spain's coach for the World Cup. He was presented in a press conference on Wednesday, alongside RFEF president Luis Rubiales, and called for the focus to be on the tournament, ignoring everything that has happened following Julen Lopetegui's appointment as Real Madrid coach. 

"It's a nice challenge," Hierro said. "The circumstances are what they are and from here I accept the challenge with bravery. I couldn't say no to it. I wouldn't forgive myself. I've been the RFEF's sporting director for seven or eight months and I know what it's about. If I didn't think we could win the World Cup, I wouldn't have accpeted it." 

Hierro added the "the key is to touch as little as possible" and that in the coming two days he will not sleep while he watched video in preparation for the Portugal game. 

"We have to be intelligent and coherent and not change things. I've been present in all the training sessions, I have been here on a day to day basis We can't change anything in two days," he continued. 

"I have a lot of affection and admiration for Julen Lopetegui and his work and I wish him the best in his new adventure [with Madrid]. I was present at his farewell and we had a friendly conversation." 

On his talk with the players, he added: "I told them that this isn't justification not to compete for our objectives at the World Cup. We know we have a a great chance, that's what I have transmitted to them. We have a responsibility -- me, first of all." 

The final question was if he thinks he could become the Zinedine Zidane of national team coaching. His answer, convincing, was: "I would sign up for that, of course."