Lopetegui unwilling to address Spain exit as he departs World Cup

Julen Lopetegui had little to say beyond wishing Spain well as he departed the World Cup having been sacked as coach on the eve of the tournament.

Lopetegui was removed from his post on Wednesday after Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that he would take over as their new boss after the World Cup.

He has since been replaced by Fernando Hierro for the duration of the competition. Hierro had served as Spain’s sporting director since November.

Lopetegui was unsurprisingly crowded by reporters as he arrived at Krasnodar Airport but was unwilling to divulge anything about the saga.

“I hope we have a great World Cup,” Lopetegui said. “I am not going to say anything else.”

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against neighbours Portugal on Friday.