Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new coach has now come to an end, however journalist Jose Maria Garcia believes that Florentino Perez and Julen Lopetegui have betrayed the country with their actions.
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales felt he was left with no alternative but to dismiss the former Porto coach after it emerged he was going to take the vacant position at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu once the World Cup was over.
“The two guys, Florentino Perez and Lopetegui, have allowed themselves the luxury of betraying the country,” he explained in an interview with Radio MARCA.
“He [Lopetegui] was my friend, he’s disappointed me.
“I prefer not to meet Julen Lopetegui because he can’t look anyone in the face now, he has no economic difficulties and he can go to Real Madrid, but not at this price.”
Much of the frustration surrounding Wednesday’s events has stemmed from the fact La Roja were in a strong position to challenge for the trophy in Russia.
Spain hadn’t lost a single match throughout the 51-year-old’s time in charge and Garcia believes that the team could now see all of their hard work be for nothing.
“It’s a backstabbing, we were going to the World Cup with high hopes after a brilliant qualification campaign,” he said.
“Everything has fallen apart due to the disloyalty and selfishness of Julen Lopetegui, as well as the actions of Florentino Perez.
“He’s turning Real Madrid into a machine which people hate.”
The timing of the announcement which confirmed the coach’s move to Madrid has angered people, especially those who feel that this is the outcome Los Blancos desired all along.
“Florentino Perez has decided that Lopetegui will be his new coach,” Garcia said.
“Real Madrid then needed him not to coach Spain at the World Cup.
“If they were eliminated in the first round, how does Perez then present the new hire to supporters?
“The best outcome was that Spain sacks him and thus he arrives at Real Madrid unscathed.”
A presentation at the stadium is expected for Thursday.