Real Madrid sack Lopetegui as Solaris takes over

Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by Real Madrid, less than two days after Barcelona defeated the club in the first El Clasico of the season.

Lopetegui moved to Real in the summer after quitting Spain days before their World Cup campaign began.

The coach has seen his team struggle through an inconsistent start to the season and the club currently sits ninth in La Liga.

Real have only managed a win in their last seven games, including defeats to Sevilla, CSKA Moscow, Alaves, Levante and Barcelona.

The 4-1 El Clasico humbling by Barcelona proved to be the final straw for the club.

Santiago Solari has been handed the reins on a provisional basis.

A statement released by the club read: “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid CF, meeting today October 29, 2018, has agreed to terminate the contract of coach Julen Lopetegui.”

“This decision, adopted from the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team, when all the objectives of this season are still achievable.

“The Board of Directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid, which has 8 players nominated for the next Golden Ball, something unprecedented in the history of the club, and the results obtained to date.

“The club thanks Julen Lopetegui and all his technical team for their effort and work and wishes them the best in their professional career.

“He will be provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who will lead the first team starting on Tuesday.”