Real Madrid: Julen Lopetegui responds to sacking rumours
Real Madrid lost 5-1 away to Barcelona in the El Clasico on Sunday evening, leaving Lopetegui on the brink.
Los Blancos had not won in four La Liga games ahead of the match against their bitter rivals, scoring only one goal in that time.
Barcelona had not been in top gear this season either, but the troubles in the Spanish capital were evident as Real were outclassed for 90 minutes in Catalonia.
Philippe Coutinho struck early to give Ernesto Valverde’s side the lead, and Luis Suarez notched the first of his hat-trick from the penalty spot, awarded after the utilisation of VAR.
Marcelo pulled one back for Lopetegui’s side soon after the break but, in committing for the equaliser, Real left their backline wanting.
Suarez capitalised by bagging another two goals on the counter-attack to claim his hat-trick, with Arturo Vidal applying a sprinkling of salt to the away side’s sore wounds late on.
Some bookmakers suspended betting on Lopetegui being sacked following the 5-1 thumping, and the manager was forced to answer questions regarding his future in the post-match press conference.
“Regarding my future, I’m not the one who makes these decisions,” Lopetegui said.
Julen Lopetegui admitted that his future is not in his hands (Image: Twitter/beINSPORTS)
Julen Lopetegui urged his team forward during their 5-1 defeat to Barcelona (Image: Getty)
Regarding my future, I’m not the one who makes these decisions
Julen Lopetegui
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“I’ve made it clear what my feelings are, and my belief in this team. But after that, the decisions aren’t my responsibility.
“I’m sad, and so are my players. I’m the manager, I have to stay strong because we’re still in October.
“It’s a tough blow, but I believe we can turn this around, because there’s much of the season to go.
“Because of the confidence I have in this group, they will continue to grow and improve.
Julen Lopetegui concols goalscorer Marcelo as he comes off the pitch (Image: Getty)
Julen Lopetegui cut a frustrated figure during the match (Image: Getty)
“They’ve had to overcome some difficult circumstances, especially with injuries, but I think the team has life for the rest of the season.”
It’s been a torrid second half of 2018 for Lopetegui, who was sacked as Spain boss two days prior to the country’s World Cup campaign in Russia after concealing from the Spanish FA the fact he had already agreed to become Real Madrid boss.
That job has since proved tumultuous for the 52-year-old, and reports in Spain are suggesting that Antonio Conte is already on his way to Madrid to assume the head coach position.
Luis Suarez heaped misery on Julen Lopetegui with his hat-trick (Image: Getty)