Lopetegui talks about Real Madrid departure, Vinicius and relationship with Florentino Perez

Former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui talked to Cadena COPE in an interview last night, where he reviewed his short tenure as the coach of Los Blancos.

“This job forces you to be prepared for every circumstance. I’ve had the chance to coach in two phenomenal teams [Spain and Real Madrid]. You have to be ready for things to go wrong, it’s part of our life,” said Lopetegui. “I’m thankful to Real Madrid because they give me the chance such an extraordinary team and I just love my players and wish them the very best,” he added.

Lopetegui was also asked about Vinicius, who wasn’t playing much when he was in charge and now has become one of Real Madrid’s most exciting prospects.

“Vinicius was fitting in, time is a very important factor. He was going to play, seasons last 10 months and not just two. It’s clear that he was a member of the first team, he was involved and he would’ve played. He will have a great future,” explained the Spanish coach.

Lopetegui also revealed that Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez is the one who told him he was going to be sacked.

“Jose Angel Sanchez was the one who told me, I didn’t talk with Florentino Perez and I haven’t talked to him ever since. It’s OK, they go their way and I go mine,” said Lopetegui, who also praised Sergio Ramos.

“We have a very tight relationship, I always try to have that kind of relationship with my players,” concluded the coach.