Spain sack manager just 48 hours before World Cup as Hierro announced as new boss

Spain’s World Cup hopes seem to have been thrown into uncertainty as the Spanish Footballing Federation has sensationally parted ways with manager Julen Lopetegui just 48 hours before their opening game against Iberian neighbours Portugal on Friday.

After Lopetegui’s imminent departure to Real Madrid was announced on Tuesday, the Spanish FA’s President Luis Rubiales acted swiftly to remove the Spanish manager from his post with immediate effect.

Speaking to the assembled media in Krasnodar, Rubiales said;

“We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish him the greatest of luck.

“The negotiations have occurred without any information to the Spanish FA and we were informed just five minutes before the press release. There’s a way to act that needs to be fulfilled.”

Clearly angered by the recent revelations that has resulted in Lopetegui’s shock move to three in a row Champions League winners Real Madrid, Rubiales is hoping that this decision will prove to be beneficial in the long run as Spain gear towards their opening World Cup game on Friday evening at 7pm.  

“We are going to touch as little as possible. We are working on it. When we know we will tell you.

“I have spoken with the players and I can guarantee they will do everything, along with the new coach, to take the team as far as possible.

“To win is very important, to have the best coach very important, but above everything is acting in the right way.

“Maybe this is tough now, but in the end, it will make us stronger.”

In an incredibly fluid situation, Spanish footballing icon Fernando Hierro has just been installed as the new Spain boss.

It will be interesting to see how Spain react to this tumultuous situation on Friday and questions will be raised regarding their safety of getting out of Group B as Morocco and Iran will be looking to pounce on the potentially fragile situation in their upcoming group games.