The Spanish manager has left Santiago Bernabeu following a
5-1 defeat for Los Blancos against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday
Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by Real Madrid after a
terrible start to the 2018-19 season culminated in a shocking loss against
their arch-rivals, Barcelona, this weekend.
Barca were good value for their victory, even without club
captain Lionel Messi pulling the strings in the final third, as Luis Suarez
grabbed a hat-trick in between strikes from Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal
Marcelo made the scoreline 2-1 just after half-time, but a
late flurry from the hosts made sure of the three points, which has left Madrid
sitting ninth in the Liga table, seven points behind leaders Barca.
Lopetegui has been under pressure for weeks now and, having
won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, the board has
finally decided to act by terminating his contract.
The 52-year-old boss was appointed as Madrid's new manager
just before the World Cup back in June, which cost him his position as Spain's
head coach for the tournament.
Los Blancos started the season quite strongly but, after a
1-0 defeat against Alaves on October 6, things began to unravel for Lopetegui
and his team have underperformed ever since.
Goal understands Antonio Conte is in advanced talks to
replace him in the hotseat, though difficulties regarding the Italian's release
clause with Chelsea have provided an unwelcome setback.
As such, reserve-team manager Santiago Solari is set to take
the reins until an agreement can be reached between the two clubs.
A statement released by Madrid on Monday reads: "The
board of directors of Real Madrid CF, after meeting today on October 29, 2018,
have agreed to terminate Julen Lopetegui's contract with the club.
"The decision, taken with the highest level of
responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team while all the
objectives of this season are still achievable.
"The board of directors understands that there is a
great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid - which has
eight players nominated for the next Ballon d'Or, something unprecedented in
the history of the club - and the results obtained to date.
"The club thanks Julen Lopetegui and all his technical
team for their effort and work and wish them the best in their professional
career.
"He will provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who
will lead the first team starting from Tuesday."
Lopetegui had pledged to turn things around at the Bernabeu
in the wake of El Clasico, as he insisted: "This is a tough blow, but I am
strong enough to know everything can be turned around. There is a long way to
go, and I have a lot of faith in this group of players.”
However, Madrid chiefs were unwilling to grant him a stay of
execution at the club and, by turning to Conte at this early stage, they are
hoping that the season can be salvaged, with plenty still to play for across
all competitions.
Club captain Sergio Ramos was pensive in his response when
asked about Lopetegui's future on Sunday, as he stated post-match: "It is
not our decision. So, we will stay to the side, let the hours pass and whatever
happens will happen. It’s not about the players.”
Next up for Madrid is a Copa Del Rey clash against Melilla
on Wednesday, before a return to La Liga duty on Saturday against Real
Valladolid.
