What is going on in the Spanish camp ahead of the World Cup?

The tournament will kick off in 24 hours time and Spain face a crunch match against Portugal in just two days.

Probably not the best time to change manager, then.

However, that’s exactly what has happened.

Julen Lopetegui - who was surprisingly announced as the new Real Madrid manager on Tuesday - was sacked on Wednesday morning.

Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales explained how he only discovered Lopetegui would be taking over at Real Madrid five minutes before it was officially announced, meaning he had no choice but to sack him.

“We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish you the greatest of luck,” said Rubiales.

“The negotiation has occurred without any information to the RFEF. Just five minutes before the press release. There’s a way to act that needs to be fulfilled.

“It’s the Spanish team. You can not do things this way.

“I admire Julen a lot, I respect him a lot, I think he’s a top trainer and that makes it more difficult to make the decision

“I don’t feel betrayed. Lopetegui, while he’s been with us, has done impeccable work.

“I know it’s a very difficult situation. I know there’s going to be criticism whatever I do. I’m sure this will, in time, make us stronger.”

Fernando Hierro will take charge of La Roja during the competition.

But was it the correct decision to sack Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament?

XAVI THINKS IT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION

Well, Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi certainly thinks so.

"I share the decision that Luis Rubiales has taken, it is not an easy situation but I think it is the right thing to do,” Xavi said.

THAT'S NOT WHAT HE SAID IN 2008

Of course, with Lopetegui joining Barcelona’s El Clasico rivals, it’s no wonder Xavi agrees with the decision to get rid of him ahead of the World Cup.

Back in 2008, Luis Aragonés announced his departure to Fenerbahçe before the semi-final with Xavi defending the decision not to sack him.

How times have changed.

Quite how this will affect Spain’s chances of winning the tournament will be discovered in the coming weeks…