Fernando Hierro replaces sacked Julen Lopetegui as Spain manager for World Cup 2018 clash against Portugal

Fernando Hierro replaces sacked Julen Lopetegui as Spain manager for World Cup 2018 clash against Portugal

By Okorie Chioma - June 13 2018

On Wednesday, Spain delayed a press conference at the Krasnodar Stadium by well over an hour before Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales announced the decision.

He said: "We have been forced to dispense with the national coach."

Rubiales added: "We wish him the best of luck."Suggestions first emerged early on Wednesday that Rubiales was not happy with the situation and would remove Lopetegui just two days before Spain's Group B opener.

Addressing the media in Russia, Rubiales revealed he had only been told of Real's decision five minutes before they announced Lopetegui's appointment.

"The negotiation occurred without the RFEF having any information," Rubiales said. "(We were told) just five minutes before the press release. We have a way of behaving that needs to be adhered to.

"The Spain team is the team of all Spaniards. You can't do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been obliged to make this decision."