Sergio Ramos has given new Spain head coach Fernando Hierro a resounding vote of confidence ahead of their World Cup opener against Portugal in Sochi on Friday, before adding he has an “easy conscience” regarding his foul that injured Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in last month’s Champions League final.
The sensational sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup after he revealed that he was set to take over at Real Madrid after the tournament sent shockwaves through the Spanish camp on Wednesday.
The Spanish players were said to be against the move to sack Lopetegui and replace him with Hierro, who had been serving as the side’s sporting director at the football association, but there were no signs of dissent at Thursday’s media conference.
“There are few people more qualified than Fernando Hierro to cover for Lopetegui’s departure,” Spain’s captain Ramos told reporters. “He was an outstanding player that we’ve all admired for a long time and he knows us full well.
“He is one of the most perfect candidates to cover this post, and I hope that this will be a squad that has the same dreams and ambitions as before and that it will not affect us in any way.”
The Real Madrid defender admitted that Lopetegui’s removal had disturbed the players, but that the players were keen to put it behind them as the tournament begins.
“These were not pleasant times. Julen Lopetegui was part of this effort, he helped us qualify, but leaving aside any personal issues, the Spanish side is more important and the sooner we focus on the World Cup, the better for all,” he said.
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