Real Madrid have officially sacked Coach Julen Lopetegui and appointed Santiago Solari as caretaker manager.
There had been strong reports Antonio Conte would be appointed today, but his contractual situation with Chelsea and an apparent disagreement over both money and strategy.
Solari is promoted from the youth team to take on the role of caretaker manager and could potentially keep the job until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the latest rumours in Spain suggest Belgium Coach Roberto Martinez is in the frame.
“The Board of Directors of Real Madrid CF, meeting today October 29, 2018, has agreed to terminate Coach Julen Lopetegui’s contract with the club,” read a statement.
“This decision, adopted from the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team, when 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 Golden Ball, 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 wishes them the best in their professional career.
“It will be provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who will lead the first team starting tomorrow, Tuesday.”
Lopetegui had taken over under controversial circumstances, as he was preparing for the World Cup with Spain when poached for the next season.
Real Madrid’s announcement infuriated the Spanish Federation, who then fired him before the tournament began.
