Lopetegui’s Job is Safe...For Now

The pressure is at a boiling point for Madrid coach, Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard has seen his Real Madrid side suffer 4 defeats in their last 11 games. Only two months in to his full season tenure and a string of four consecutive poor results has many calling for his head. Accoring to reports from Spanish publication Marca, the club will not be rash with Lopetegui— “his job is safe...for now”. Hardly reassuring for Lopetegui, but if there is no reaction from Madrid then his days will likely be numbered. El Clasico is set for Ocotber 28th in Barcelona at the Camp Nou and that game may well decide the fate of the former Spanish National team manager.

Arguably more worrying than the results, is Madrid’s play in the last four matches. They have failed to score a single goal, over six hours of actual game play, and despite the wealth of talent at hand, have not looked like convincing nor would they have been out right worthy winners of those games had the ball found the back of the net. Following Marca’s report, the other Madrid based paper, AS, has already identified Lopetegui’s replacements. Two names are on the club’s list: former Juventus, Italy, and Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte and now Castilla Manager, Santiago Solari. Will Lopetegui buckle under the pressure or will this injury and energy depleted Madrid side be able to turn the tide?