Just days before playing their first match in Russia against fierce rivals Portugal, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has sensationally sacked the national team manager.
Real Madrid stirred up the water by announcing that Julen Lopetegui would be arriving at the Bernabeu to take over from Zinedine Zidane.
The 51-year-old former goalkeeper was unbeaten in his role of national team manager having won 14 of their last 20 games and was planning to take over at Real Madrid once the tournament in Russia concluded.
RFEF president Luis Rubiales was apparently told of Lopetegui’s appointment at Madrid just five minutes before the club made the announcement claiming it put him in a “difficult situation.” “I know there’s going to be criticism whatever I do,” he added.
“I’m sure this will, in time, make us stronger. I admire Julen very much, I respect him very much. He seems a top trainer and that makes it harder to make the decision.
“You can’t do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been compelled to make this decision.”
“Holiday makers in Nerja will of course have plenty of opportunity follow the world cup on the large screens at many of the bars at Burriana beach and around Nerja town.”
