Julen Lopetegui Says He Had Dressing‑Room Confidence at Real Madrid

Julen Lopetegui says he left Real Madrid with the dressing‑room’s confidence despite a brief four‑month spell. He was dismissed in October after just 14 matches in charge. Prior to the 2018 World Cup, Lopetegui guided Spain through an unbeaten qualification campaign and restored confidence after a difficult period for the national side. He entered the tournament believing the team was in top form. Spain’s federation dismissed him after it emerged he had agreed to become Real Madrid manager, a move that sparked controversy. The decision meant Lopetegui never managed Spain at the World Cup.

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At Real Madrid, Lopetegui faced the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and delayed returns of players from the World Cup, yet he claimed he had the dressing‑room’s confidence. A poor run of results, an own goal in Moscow and Isco’s appendicitis contributed to a seven‑point deficit behind Barcelona. The club terminated his contract after the two‑week collapse. Lopetegui later argued that the lingering effects of the World Cup, including Luka Modric’s fatigue, hampered the squad. He noted the team finished more than 20 points behind Barcelona. He added that Ajax eliminated Real Madrid from the Champions League. Images for the article were provided by Alexander Hassenstein and Aitor Alcalde.