Real Madrid fire Julen Lopetegui

Real Madrid have fired Julen Lopetegui after 139 days in charge of the club. The former Spain national team coach, who controversially took the Real job whilst still managing his country, has paid a heavy price for a dismal run of form since taking over in Madrid.

Former club left-back Santiago Solari - the current 'B' team coach - will take temporary charge of Real Madrid as the club look to find Lopetegui's successor.

A club statement read: 

"This decision, adopted from the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team when all the objectives of this season are still achievable. 

"The Board of Directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid, which has eight players nominated for the next Golden Ball, something unprecedented in the history of the club, and the results obtained to date."

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been installed as the early favourite to take the now vacant job as coach of Real Madrid.