Spain will go into the World Cup under new management after the country’s soccer association fired manager Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, two days before its tournament opener against Portugal in Sochi, Russia.
“The federation cannot be left out of a negotiation by one of its workers and be informed five minutes before the press release,” said Rubiales, who is just a month into his job.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup champion and one of the favorites in this summer’s tournament, will be led by Fernando Hierro, 50, a former national team player and Real Madrid captain whose only head coaching experience lasted two seasons in Spain’s second division.