Real Madrid have sacked Julen Lopetegui as manager after only a four and a half in charge at the Bernabeu. Lopetegui, who succeeded Frenchman Zinedine Zidane as manager, was shown the exit door after his side’s 5-1 El Clasico drubbing at the hands of rivals Barcelona.
Santiago Solari, the club’s B team coach, has been named temporary in-charge after Lopetegui’s exit.
“The Real Madrid C.F. board of directors, which met today, 29 October 2018, has made the decision to terminate Julen Lopetegui’s contract as the club’s coach.
This decision, which was taken with the utmost responsibility, seeks to bring about a turnaround in the first-team’s fortunes at a time when all of this season’s targets are still achievable.
The board considers there to be a large disparity between the quality within the Real Madrid squad, which boasts eight nominees for the next Ballon d’Or award – an unprecedented number in the club’s history – and the team’s results to date.
The club places on record its thanks to Julen Lopetegui and all of his coaching staff for their efforts and work and wishes them all the best in their future careers.
Santiago Solari will take temporary charge of the team, assuming his role as first-team coach from tomorrow, Tuesday,” a statement issued by the club stated.
Former Italy and Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, reports say, is being seen as the frontrunner to replace Lopetegui permanently at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are ninth in the league — their worst start to the La Liga campaign since 2001-02 — despite having won the Champions League for the past three years.
