Football news - Real Madrid sack Julen Lopetegui, Santiago Solari named interim head coach

Former Real Madrid player Santiago Solari has been named the interim head coach while the club looks for a full-time replacement.

The 52-year-old Lopetegui managed just 14 games at the Bernabeu with the Clasico embarrassment bringing his brief reign to an end.

Solari, a former winger for the club and currently the B team coach, will step in as interim head coach as the club ponders its long-term options.

Madrid have now gone five league games without a victory and next take on Melilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.

Real have failed to win in the league since beating Espanyol on September 22, losing to Sevilla, Alaves, Levante and drawing with Atletico Madrid before their Clasico humiliation.

A club statement read: "The Real Madrid C.F. board of directors, which met today, 29 October 2018, has made the decision to terminate Julen Lopetegui's contract as the club's coach.

"This decision, which was taken with the utmost responsibility, seeks to bring about a turnaround in the first-team's fortunes at a time when all of this season's targets are still achievable.

"The club places on record its thanks to Julen Lopetegui and all of his coaching staff for their efforts and work and wishes them all the best in their future careers. Santiago Solari will take temporary charge of the team, assuming his role as first-team coach from tomorrow, Tuesday."

Former Chelsea, Italy and Juventus boss Antonio Conte is the favourite to succeed Lopetegui, while Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino's quotes about having "massive frustration" at White Hart Lane before his side's match against Manchester City saw his odds shortened.

Lopetegui began his tenure as Real boss in controversial fashion in July as his appointment leaked out a day before Spain's World Cup campaign got underway against Portugal, after which he was promptly fired.