Lopetegui oversees last training session as Real Madrid coach

Julen Lopetegui directed what was likely to be his last training session as coach of Real Madrid this Monday morning. After the humiliating 5-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou yesterday, the board will convene this evening, after which they are expected to officially announce his dismissal, with Antonio Conte reported to be chosen as his successor.

Although with the club not expected to announce the signing of Conte this evening, Real Madrid Castilla coach Santiago Solari will be likely called upon to oversee the cup game against Melilla on Wednesday.

Lopetegui looked dejected at training

Following yesterday’s defeat, Lopetegui stated yesterday that he had “the strength to continue”, but his body language has told a different story at training today. With his hands in his pockets, the coach seemed absent, and did not direct the session with the same level of intensity and energy for whihc he is known. The club also avoided featuring him in any of the official photos released after the session.

With Madrid having just one win, one draw and five defeats in the last seven games, Lopetegui has experienced the worst start for a Real Madrid coach for more than 50 years, leaving the club with no choice but to urgently find his successor.

All the players who featured against Barcelona yesterday took part in an indoor training session, with the exception of Nacho, Kroos, Casemiro and Lucas Vázquez, who trained outdoors. Dani Carvajal, who continues his recovery from injury, also trained outdoors on the grass. The rest of the squad did some fitness work, before practicing possession and passing in a confined space, and were also joined by Castilla youngsters De la Fuente, Crito and Álex.