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Real Madrid hit back as Lopetegui swaps Spain 'sadness' for 'happiest day'

Flanked by president Florentino Perez at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 51-year-old was unveiled as the new Blancos boss and gave his version of events

The whole situation is still surreal. Julen Lopetegui was expected to be speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of Spain's World Cup opener against Portugal in Sochi. Instead, however, he was presented to the media as the new Real Madrid coach.

Los Blancos had announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui would be the successor to Zinedine Zidane, who stepped down on May 31 after winning three successive Champions League crowns.