The international press reacts to Spain sacking Lopetegui
The international press has reacted swifty to the news that Spain have sacked their coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup
The international press has reacted swifty to the news that Spain have sacked their coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup. Logically, the majority of the reaction is related to the shock - and speed - at how things have panned out. From Real Madrid announcing his appointment as their coach next season to the negotiations taking place behind the Spanish FA's back, a decision which ultimately cost Lopetegui his job.
Perhaps one of the most expressive reactions was from Argentinian outlet 'Ole'. Their main title said: "Splitting up from the unbeaten one!" Later adding, "Lopetegui was sacked hours before the start of the World Cup, despite racking up impressive numbers during his time as Spain's coach, including a 6-1 victory over Argentina."
"Spain sack their manager, Julen Lopetegui, two days before their first match at the World Cup," is how the BBC in England titled it. They also made sure to mention that this situation was caused by Lopetegui's agreement with Real Madrid.
In 'L'Equipe', from France, they followed along the same lines. "Furious with Julen Lopetegui since he was officially named as Real Madrid's manager on Tuesday, the president of the Spanish FA Luis Rubiales announced that he must leave immediately: 'We feel obligated to part ways with the coach.'"
In Portugal's 'Record', the country which will be Spain's first rival at the World Cup, they talked about "the disgust at the timing of Real Madrid's announcement and said it was one of the motives for Spain to be without a coach two days before they start their World Cup campaign." This information obviously came before Fernando Hierro was officially announced as Spain's new coach.
In Italy, who didn't qualify for the World Cup after finishing second to Spain in the qualifying group, 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' went with the headline: "Spain: Lopetegui is out! Sacked for the 'Real Madrid case'. Hierro is the new coach!" And later on they added: "Chaos in Krasnodar. Lopetegui is sacked. And now what?"
