Real Madrid fires manager Julen Lopetegui

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Real Madrid has fired head coach Julen Lopetegui.

The La Liga power announced the move on Monday. Santiago Solari took temporary control of the team on Tuesday for its final training session ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey matchup.

"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," Real Madrid said in a news release.

"The board considers there to be a large disparity between the quality within the Real Madrid squad, which boasts eight nominees for the next Ballon d'Or award -- an unprecedented number in the club's history -- and the team's results to date."

"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."

Lopetegui was hired in June to replace Zinedine Zidane, who unexpectedly resigned from the club on May 31. Zidane led the squad to a La Liga title, three Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.

Lopetegui was serving as Spain's coach at the 2018 World Cup, but was fired one day before the tournament after he accepted the Real Madrid job. He had never lost a game as Spain's coach before being dismissed.

"I'm really happy and really looking forward to the challenge," Solari told reporters Tuesday. "Working at Real Madrid is a great opportunity and a beautiful job at any level. I've been a player, I sweated every last drop in the shirt, like many others. Madrid in its greatness is above us all, but at the same time it includes us all, so it's wonderful to work here."

Real Madrid faces Melilla at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Estadio Municipal Alvarez Claro in Melilla, Spain.