Albert Celades replaces sacked Julen Lopetegui as Spain manager for opening World Cup 2018 clash against Portugal


Spain have named Under 21 boss Albert Celades as Julen Lopetegui's replacement following the new Real Madrid boss' sacking.

Lopetegui was sensationally axed on Wednesday just 24 hours after it was announced he would take over at the Bernabeu following the World Cup.

Celades will be in the dugout on Friday when Spain open their Group B campaign against Portugal and will be assisted by Fernando Hierro.

The 42-year-old played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid before finishing his career with Kitchee in Hong Kong.

He won four caps for Spain before managing first the Under 16 side before taking over the Under 21s.

On Wednesday, Spain delayed a press conference at the Krasnodar Stadium by well over an hour before Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales announced the decision.

He said: "We have been forced to dispense with the national coach."
Rubiales added: "We wish him the best of luck."Suggestions first emerged early on Wednesday that Rubiales was not happy with the situation and would remove Lopetegui just two days before Spain's Group B opener.

Addressing the media in Russia, Rubiales revealed he had only been told of Real's decision five minutes before they announced Lopetegui's appointment.

"The negotiation occurred without the RFEF having any information," Rubiales said. "(We were told) just five minutes before the press release. We have a way of behaving that needs to be adhered to.

"The Spain team is the team of all Spaniards. You can't do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been obliged to make this decision."



SOURCE: MIRROR














End of the journey for migrants on ‘Aquarius’


It is the beginning of the end of a journey to Europe for hundreds of migrants aboard the humanitarian vessel 'Aquarius'.

They are now on their way to Valencia, Spain – following Italy’s decision to close its ports to the men, women and children rescued this past weekend in the Mediterranean Sea.

Our correspondent Anelise Borges has been following this story from aboard the Aquarius and has this exclusive report.

The migrants were asked to gather for some important news after more than 3 days at sea. The idea of finally reaching shore was a relief.

“We ask God to bless Spain and all countries related to Europe. Thank you,” said one young man from Nigeria.

The Italian authorities agreed to take 500 people aboard a naval and a coastguard ship. These vessels are now escorting Aquarius to the Spanish port of Valencia.

It's a trip that promises to be yet another trying part of this journey.

“It will be at least 3 and a half days. That would be the transit time in good weather conditions, but we already know that we will encounter strong western winds and so we will probably have to reduce speed,” says SOS Méditerranée coordinator Nicola Estella.

Many questions remain about the future of these men and women who found themselves at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest immigration controversies.

Will they be able to stay in Europe?

And if not, what will happen to them?

While some pondered those ideas, others already started worrying about the next search and rescue mission.

Forty-one people were rescued off the coast of Libya while attempting the crossing and 12 died at sea on the same day that marked the beginning of the end of the dramatic journey for those aboard Aquarius.

Anelise Borges, aboard Aquarius, for euronews.



SOURCE: euronews
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