(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 15, 2010 former Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro speaks during a press conference at the end of a three-day FIFA/CAF symposium about the 2010 World Cup, in Cairo. AFP PHOTO / –
Former Real Madrid and Spain captain Fernando Hiero has been taken over the Spanish national team hours after Julen Lopetegui was sacked.
Lopetegui was sacked a day before World Cup starts. He had been appointed by Real Madrid as Zinedine Zidane’s successor to take over after the tournament in Russia, sparking outrage at the federation and among Spanish fans at the timing of the announcement.
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“Fernando Hierro will assume coaching responsibilities at the World Cup in Russia,” the Spanish football federation announced.
Until his appointment, Hierro was the Spanish federation sporting director. The 50-year-old’s only real coaching experience came when he was in charge of second division Spanish outfit Oviedo for one season.
Lopetegui had signed a contract extension until 2020 just last month and never tasted defeat in his 20 games in charge as Spain boss.
Spain are due to face European champions Portugal in Sochi on Friday before taking on Iran and Morocco in Group B.
Source: G Sport
