Julen Lopetegui is a manager living on borrowed time
Prior to Sunday’s El Clasico Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui was already under immense pressure, with many calling for his sacking from the reigning Champions League winners.
His side had started the season extremely poorly – worse than even the most pessimistic fans would have expected – losing four games and conceding 14 goals after just nine games of the season.
After Madrid’s 5-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Sunday, that pressure has greatly intensified and many – including Lopetegui himself – are aware that he could now go at any time.
Speaking after the game, the former Spain coach admitted that “the ultimate responsibility is with the managers”.
“We know how football works. The ultimate responsibility is with the manager, although there have been other factors,” said Lopetegui.
“The only thing in my mind now is lifting the morale of my players.”
Lopetegui "We know how football works. The ultimate responsibility is with the manager, although there have been other factors."
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) October 28, 2018
Lopetegui "The only thing in my mind now is lifting the morale of my players".
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) October 28, 2018
It was another person’s post-match comments however that were particularly illuminating, as Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos appeared to suggest that the club’s players expect news on the manager’s future in the near future.
“We’re fully behind the manager… but we’ll see what happens in the next few hours and tomorrow,” said Ramos. “We’ve not been told anything.”
Will Lopetegui finally go tonight? Only time will tell.
But given his players’ insipid performances of late – compounded by their embarrassing display against their most bitter rivals on Sunday as well as Ramos’ honest take on his manager’s future – no one would be surprised if Madrid are looking for a new manager sooner rather than later.
