El clasico: Julen Lopetegui says goodbye to Real Madrid players after 5-1 loss to Barcelona

Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui has already bid his farewell to the players and back room staff as his sack looms, according to Spanish newspaper, Marca.

Real Madrid went down in a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick to ensure Real’s Clasico rivals did not feel the absence of captain and talisman Lionel Messi whatsoever.

Lopetegui travelled to Catalonia knowing a bad result would almost certainly cost him his job and Real’s rout confirms his fate.

Reports in Spain suggest that the Spaniard’s brief Bernabeu reign could even be ended today.

Marca reports that Lopetegui is well aware of Real’s imminent decision and that he said his goodbyes to his players in his post-match briefing.

Lopetegui thanked the squad in the dressing room for their efforts in their spell together and wishing them well for the rest of the season in his expected absence.

The 52-year-old is unlikely to see the Madrid squad again as Real Madrid Castilla coach Santiago Solari could take charge of Monday training.

The club hope to announce former Chelsea tactician Antonio Conte as Lopetegui’s successor.

According to Marca, Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez was so dismayed by his team’s performance against Barcelona that he left the stadium without speaking to any of the squad or playing staff.

Speaking after the 5-1 loss to Barcelona, Lopetegui told Sky Sports, “Regarding my future, I’m not the one who makes these decisions.

“I’ve made it clear what my feelings are, and my belief in this team. But after that, the decisions aren’t my responsibility.

“I’m sad, and so are my players. I’m the manager, I have to stay strong because we’re still in October.

“It’s a tough blow, but I believe we can turn this around, because there’s much of the season to go.

“Because of the confidence I have in this group, they will continue to grow and improve.

“They’ve had to overcome some difficult circumstances, especially with injuries, but I think the team has life for the rest of the season.”

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