Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales insists he has no regrets over the decision to sack coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup despite La Roja’s failure to progress beyond the last 16 in Russia.Fernando Hierro was named as stand-in coach and, although Spain finished top of Group B to reach the knockout stages, they made it no further after losing on penalties to Russia on Sunday. Was this the death of tiki-taka?
Rubiales stood by his decision to dismiss Lopetegui and praised the work done by Hierro and his team.He also said the Federation would now look at what direction to take with regards the next Spain coach.
“I don’t regret the decision taken with Lopetegui because it was done with conviction and values that aren’t influenced by subsequent results,” he said in quotes reported by the Spanish press.“When a decision is made with responsibility and, above all, with values, one has to be calm.“All my board of directors gave me unanimous support, we are very calm. “Now we need to analyse things and see what’s best for the national team and the Federation.“What I have clear is that I’m proud of the way Hierro and his staff have behaved. He (Hierro) has assumed this responsibility with bravery.“In the coming weeks we will see what’s best for everyone.