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Real Madrid news: Sergio Ramos opens up on 'unpleasant' Julen Lopetegui Spain sacking
SERGIO RAMOS has admitted that Julen Lopetegui’s exit as Spain manager has “not been pleasant”.
Spain sack manager Julen Lopetegui days before World Cup
One of the favourites for this summer’s World Cup, Spain sacked Lopetegui as coach on the eve of their trip to Russia after he agreed to become Real Madrid’s new manager earlier in the week.
That decision infuriated Spain FA president Luis Rubiales, who reportedly only heard about it five minutes before it was announced on Tuesday.
Lopetegui was unexpectedly unveiled as the new man in charge at the Bernabeu to replace Zinedine Zidane, the 51-year-old attracting widespread criticism for the timing of the announcement given his Spain commitments.
And he was relieved of his duties by the 2010 world champions on Wednesday and replaced by Fernando Hierro ahead of their Group B campaign, which begins against Portugal (today, 7pm).
For me, personally, it was a more delicate moment but I can assure you that these problems provide an opportunity to grow.
Madrid skipper Ramos is said to have been one of the players aware of Lopetegui’s Madrid appointment before the news was officially released.
And Ramos, who will also captain his country this summer, opened up on the emotion of the dramatic situation that has engulfed Spain over the past few days as he hinted at discontent over the decision to part ways with Lopetegui.
"We need to move on as soon as possible. These have not been pleasant times at all," the 151-cap defender told reporters.
"For me, personally, it was a more delicate moment but I can assure you that these problems provide an opportunity to grow.
"Julen has been part of all the preparations for this World Cup.
“Spain needs to come before any individual. As soon as possible, let's move on from this and focus on the World Cup. That is better for everyone.
"There are no cracks. We are all individuals and we all think differently, but the collective idea is the same. We are here to go for the World Cup.
"The reality is that we will change little, we don't have time.
“We have clear ideas and we are not going to change our concept of how to play football one jot."
Lopetegui was officially unveiled at Real Madrid yesterday with club president Florentino Perez blasting the manner of his Spain sacking - orchestrated by Rubiales - as one that that “disrespected” Los Blancos.