Madrid: Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui has said he is over his turbulent sacking from the Spanish national team and does not regret joining the European champions even though it cost him the chance to manage at the World Cup.
Lopetegui was fired by the Spanish Football Federation the day before the World Cup started for announcing his move to Real behind the organisation’s back, throwing Spain’s tournament preparations into chaos.
“I simply took a decision and I would take the same one again, I did it in the most honest way possible and I don’t regret anything,” Lopetegui told Spanish radio station ‘Onda Cero’, Tuesday.
“I’m absolutely happy to coach Real Madrid, we have a special challenge and great objectives. What happened has happened and it can’t be changed,” added the Spaniard.
Spain, the 2010 World Champions, were one of the favourites to win the World Cup but suffered a shock last 16 defeat by hosts Russia in a penalty shootout.
“I don’t want to look back, I explained how I felt in my presentation and I still feel that way,” informed Lopetegui, who has led Real Madrid to victory in their first three La Liga games although they lost the UEFA Super Cup to Atletico Madrid.
I’m absolutely happy to coach Real Madrid, we have a special challenge and great objectives. What happened has happened and it can’t be changed
Julen Lopetegui
“I don’t worry about how it (his sacking) was explained, I don’t think back. It’s over, we explained how we felt and I insist that we did the right thing, which was to say yes to Real Madrid. I would do it again,” asserted the new coach.
Spain meanwhile begin a new era Saturday under coach Luis Enrique with a UEFA Nations League game away to England.
“I hope things go phenomenally well for Spain and for Luis Enrique, I’m a fervent supporter of the national team,” Lopetegui said.
“It’s an era in my life which has gone by, we have moved on and now we are focused on an objective which is big enough to not worry about looking back,” he added.
