Real Madrid have confirmed Julen Lopetegui will hold his introductory press conference as Coach this evening.
The European champions confirmed the appointment of the former Porto boss on Tuesday afternoon, but he was surprisingly dismissed as Spain Coach the following morning.
Madrid have confirmed the time of Thursday’s press conference to be at 7pm (Spanish time) as not to coincide with that of Fernando Hierro (6pm), who has replaced Lopetegui as Spain boss.
It had been expected that the 51-year-old – who was unbeaten throughout his 20 matches in charge of Spain – would continue to manage his nation at this summer’s World Cup.
However, Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales confirmed his dismissal on Wednesday, citing the lack of transparency in negotiations and disruption ahead of the tournament in Russia.
Lopetegui spent the 2008/09 season in charge of Madrid’s Castilla team, having previously made one appearance for the senior team in his playing career as a goalkeeper.
Los Blancos will now no longer need to pay the €2m compensation package owed to the Spanish FA due to his dismissal.
