SAN FRANCISCO, October 30, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid have given their coach Julen Lopetegui the boot, less than five months after he was hired to replace Zinedine Zidane.
He will be replaced by Santiago Solaris, who coaches Madrid’s junior team.
Lopetegui was appointed in June but five defeats in seven games, the last of them a 5-1 thrashing by Barcelona on Sunday, have convinced Madrid to make a change.
The board said it decided to terminate Lopetegui, in a statement published on the club’s website.
“This decision, which was taken with the utmost responsibility, seeks to bring about a turnaround in the first-team’s fortunes at a time when all of this season’s targets are still achievable.
“The board considers there to be a large disparity between the quality within the Real Madrid squad, which boasts eight nominees for the next Ballon d’Or award – an unprecedented number in the club’s history – and the team’s results to date.
“The club places on record its thanks to Julen Lopetegui and all of his coaching staff for their efforts and work and wishes them all the best in their future careers.
“Santiago Solari will take temporary charge of the team, assuming his role as first-team coach from tomorrow, Tuesday.”
Solari will lead the first team from Tuesday and is expected to be in charge for the Copa del Rey game against Melilla on Wednesday.
The Argentinian could also remain in post for Saturday’s La Liga match at home to Real Valladolid.
In his two seasons with Castilla, Solari oversaw them finishing 11th and eighth in the Spanish third tier.
Lopetegui’s time as coach of Real Madrid lasted just 139 days, with his decision to join the club also costing him his job as Spain boss at last summer’s World Cup.
Real have managed only one win in their last seven matches, sit ninth in La Liga, and earlier this month went more than eight hours without a goal.
Antonio Conte is the frontrunner to be Lopetegui’s permanent successor, although early talks have not gone smoothly, according to reports.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez and former Madrid midfielder Guti have also been linked with the position.
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