Sport: Soccer Country: Qatar Category: Coaching

Lopetegui recalls difficult dismissal from Spain before 2018 World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 10:13 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Lopetegui recalls difficult dismissal from Spain before 2018 World Cup

Summary

Julen Lopetegui reflects on his dismissal from the Spanish national team just two days before the 2018 World Cup, describing the experience as filled with "very ugly things." In an interview, he expresses no lingering resentment and emphasizes a forward-looking approach. He acknowledges the challenge of maintaining elite status in football and cites the absence of the Italian team as a significant example. Lopetegui's current coaching staff remains enthusiastic about future challenges, focusing on the present and coming opportunities in the sport.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Lopetegui dismissed from Spain just days before 2018 World Cup
•Describes past events as "very ugly things"
•Holds no grudge against football today
•Mentions difficulty of qualifying for elite competitions
•Coaching staff remains optimistic about future challenges

Latest Updates

10:13 AMYahoo Sports — Lopetegui takes a swipe at the RFEF? Some very ugly things happened...

What they're saying

"
Julen Lopetegui has spoken out once again, loud and clear, about one of the most controversial episodes of his career: his dismissal from the Spanish national team just two days before the start of th...
— Yahoo Sports

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