Hierro to manage Spain at the World Cup after Lopetegui sacked

Spain have appointed Fernando Hierro as their manager for the World Cup after a tumultuous morning that saw former coach Julen Lopetegui sacked for taking over at Real Madrid.

Hierro, himself an icon at the Bernabeu, was in the front row of the crowd at a press conference on Wednesday when it was confirmed that Lopetegui would leave just hours before the tournament kicks off.

The 50-year-old will now take his place at the top table for another media briefing at 6.30pm local time (4.30pm BST). He will hold his first training session on Thursday ahead of Friday’s opening clash against Portugal.

Lopetegui was dismissed on Wednesday by Spanish football chiefs left furious by his decision to join Real Madrid ahead of the start of the tournament.

The 51-year-old was announced as Zinedine Zidane’s replacement on Tuesday evening and out of a job just hours later, only to be replaced by a man who has played 584 matches for Los Blancos.

Hierro has had only one managerial role in the past, working as boss at Oviedo between 2016-2017. He was previously assistant at Real Madrid and has moved from director of football to his current role.