Thankful Lopetegui Has No Ill Feelings After Madrid Sack

By Max Wise

Dismissed Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui, has expressed his gratitude to the club, despite being sacked on Monday.

The 52-year-old was relieved of his post after compounding a poor start to the season with a humiliating 5-1 loss to bitterest rivals, Barcelona, in last Sunday’s El Clasico.

"After the decision taken by the Real Madrid board of directors, I want to thank the club for the opportunity they gave me," Lopetegui said in a brief statement provided to EFE.

Lopetegui, who was appointed in June this year, lasted less than five months in charge of Los Blancos.

He recorded four wins, two draws and four defeats in the La Liga, and two wins and a loss in the Champions League campaign.

Madrid’s statement on Lopetegui’s sacking seemed to criticise the former Spain boss for failing to get the best out of a side that had eight Balon d'Or nominees this year. 

Part of the statement read: "there is a great disproportion between the quality of the squad, which has eight players nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and the results obtained so far [this season]."

Lopetegui however, has no ill-feelings towards the club he made one appearance for as a goalkeeper during his playing days.

"Thank you to the players for their effort and their work, as well as to each and every one of the club's employees, for their good treatment during this time.

"And, of course, my gratitude to the fans for their backing. I send them my best wishes for the rest of the season."

Santiago Solari, coach of Real Madrid’s junior side, Castilla, has been placed in temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.