July 2 – With yet another pre-tournament favourite dumped out of a World Cup of unprecedented surprises, Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales insists he has no regrets over the decision to sack national coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the competition.
As the inquests begin into Spain’s shock last-16 exit on penalties at the hands of the host nation – derided as no-hopers before the start – fingers are inevitably being pointed at Rubiales for getting rid of Lopetegui, whose team had been unbeaten in his 20 matches but who was relieved of his duties just days before Spain’s opening match against Portugal for not telling his bosses that he had agreed to become the new Real Madrid head coach.
Fernando Hierro was installed at the last minute as interim coach but although Spain finished top of their group to reach the knockout stages, they made it no further after losing on penalties to Russia on Sunday.
Rubiales stood by his decision but admitted the federation would look at what direction to take.
“I don’t regret the decision taken with Lopetegui because it was done with conviction and values that aren’t influenced by subsequent results,” he was quoted as saying by the Spanish media.
“When a decision is made with responsibility and, above all, with values, one has to be calm. All my board of directors gave me unanimous support, we are very calm. Now we need to analyse things and see what’s best for the national team and the Federation.”
Despite having the lion’s share of possession against an ultra-defensive Russia who knew they were inferior man for man, Spain’s star-studded line-up created precious few clear cut chances and paid for their lack of ambition and adventure.
“What I am clear about is that I’m proud of the way Hierro and his staff have behaved,” Rubiales nevertheless declared. “He has assumed this responsibility with bravery. In the coming weeks we will see what’s best for everyone. You’re always learning things, now it’s very difficult to analyse everything in an hour. In sport, the best don’t always win. We’ve seen great teams who have been knocked out. I’m convinced that 99 per cent would say that Spain have been much better [than Russia].”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714085001labto1714085001ofdlr1714085001owedi1714085001sni@w1714085001ahsra1714085001w.wer1714085001dna1714085001