Prior to his sack, it has been gathered that Spain’s players had intervened to convince the country’s football association not to sack manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup.

Speculation had been rife that Lopetegui could be fired just one day before this summer’s tournament in Russia is due to get underway, having been confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager on Tuesday.

New Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales was understood to be furious with the way Lopetegui handled the situation, having reportedly only found out about Madrid’s impending appointment five minutes before it was announced.

According to Spanish paper, Marca it claimed that the team’s players had tried to talk Rubiales out of sacking Lopetegui.

Spain and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos reportedly led the protests in favour of his future manager.

La Roja, who are among the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy this summer, get their campaign underway against Iberian rivals Portugal on Friday evening.

http://www.thesportsbay.com/how-sergio-ramos-led-spanish-players-to-save-julen-lopetegui-from-sack/