Julen Lopetegui sacking is 'biggest defeat' for Real Madrid stars, says Toni Kroos

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30 October 2018

Toni Kroos has paid tribute to Julen Lopetegui and believes that his sacking reflects poorly on the Real Madrid squad following a miserable run of results.

Real sacked manager Lopetegui on Monday night after just 14 games in charge at the Bernabeu.

The club's board took action following the 5-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Sunday's defeat leaves the club ninth in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Barcelona.

Lopetegui, who was named as Real manager days before he was preparing to lead Spain into this summer's World Cup, won four of his 10 league games in charge.

Their last league win was a 1-0 win over Espanyol on September 22 and has been followed by four defeats and a draw.

Madrid were also beaten 1-0 by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, where they are joint leaders with Roma in Group G with six points from three games.

Santiago Solari has been placed in temporary charge of the team with his first game coming in the Copa del Rey with Melilla on Wednesday.

Kroos took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to praise Lopetegui as a "great coach and great person", and claims that the 52-year-old's exit is ultimately the fault of the players.

Kroos wrote: "The biggest defeat for players is when the coach has to go. Especially in this case because he is a great coach and great person. Thanks Julen!"

Solari, a former midfielder for Real, spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the chance to make an impact despite only being named as a caretaker coach.

In Pictures | Santiago Solari leads Real Madrid training | 30/10/2018

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“Working with Madrid is a great opportunity and it’s a beautiful job,” he said.

“Wherever it is, not just as coach of the first team.

"I have sweated for the shirt to the last drop, as others have who are no longer here.

“Madrid includes us in its greatness, it surpasses us all but includes us at the same time.”

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