Luis Rubiales and Julen Lopetegui have an interesting relationship, with the former sacking the latter as Spain coach just days before the start of the 2018 World Cup, once the Spanish FA president had learned the Basque had signed a contract with Real Madrid.
Their relationship goes back further than that, though.
Back on August 31, 2003, Lopetegui had his first competitive match as a coach when his Rayo Vallecano side hosted Levante at the Estadio de Vallecas.
Playing for Levante that day was Rubiales and the current federation president was on the winning side, with the visitors leaving with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from David Aganzo and Inaki Descarga.
It was a bad start to his life as a coach and, after 10 rounds of that second division season, he was sacked following a 1-0 loss to Eibar.
Amazingly, Rafa Casal was able to photograph the pair in the same shot on that season's opening day, as unaware as everyone else of what would transpire in Russia 15 years later.
WasimRaz
0
This time what will happen?
Earnester
0
I'm hoping that Lopetegui is ventilated since the World Cup began
Boateng Sector
0
This Coach won't help Real Madrid,,I wish Madrid will sell Modric next summer..I want Real Madrid to be like Championship Team,,
over36
0
You are the selector that is a job of the most to spend a few years that you do not see and leave everything just before a World Cup, to go where no one with a job wants to go ???? That trainer with work wants to go to a club where his star goes, where he just left a coach who has won 3 Champions in a row and where the most likely is that you fail, because even winning the Champions you do nothing better than the previous one. In addition to a president who has a tradition in charging the first change to Spanish coaches. And if it turns out badly and you get kicked out, your soccer is over, because you have failed and they have kicked you out of Portugal, Spain and the image of the national team. Go curriculum! Very clever I do not think Lopetegui
herbivorous
0
What a complex with Real Madrid, what a pity. All life being a loser
inoce
0
The wing that presides over the real of mandric next time will think twice before putting hand in your own selection.
Terry13
0
What a bigger dislike that a professional fulfills his contract
herdsman
0
Here the one that gives displeasure is Lopetegui to Rubiales and to all Spain. Stop indoctrinating with false headlines.