While La Roja's captain urged the team stay strong, a former Blaugrana ace criticized Los Blancos' timing to unveil their new coach.

An earthquake shook the compound of the Spanish National Team yesterday, as Julen Lopetegui's decision to sign a three-year deal with Real Madrid backfired and forced the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to sack him hours before their WC debut.

As always, there's two sides to every story, and coach Lopetegui was truly supported by his footballers. Some of those players, including Pique and Sergio Ramos, urged the RFEF's boss not to sack Lopetegui, especially with two days left for their World Cup debut. 

Once the decision was revealed to the world, Sergio Ramos stepped up as the leader of this group, and urged fans to keep supporting the team despite the radical decision.

"We are the National Team, we represent a shield, these colors, our fans, our country. Our commitment is to you and only you. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, let's stay together. Vamos España"

Meanwhile, and even if was a harsh decision, Xavi Hernández had a different view on the matter, praising the decision made by RFEF's boss, Luis Rubiales.

"Rubiales' reactions was the best. He protected the RFEF's interests, no person can be above the entity's interests," Xavi stated.

Then, the former Blaugrana icon aimed a dig at Real Madrid and the former La Roja boss.

"I can't say if Real Madrid did right or wrong, but I surely can say that Lopetegui's decision was rash, unexpected and uncalled for,"the former midfielder added.

Spain is set to make their debut against Portugal next Friday. While they might survive the Group Stage, things could get ugly for them in the Round of 16, where they could face the hosts, Uruguay, Egypt or Saudi Arabia with someone that will live his first moments as La Roja's boss without even being prepared for it.