Real Madrid hero Luis Figo admits he wasn't surprised by Julen Lopetegui's dismissal.

However, he was disappointed by the sacking.

Figo said, "Madrid aren't used to these poor runs of form. We know that when they happen the first one who is blamed is the coach and I'm sure they wanted to change the dynamic of the team.

"In the end, and Lopetegui is my friend, I believe he made the decision to take what was a difficult job and ultimately paid for the poor run of results."

Figo has a good relationship with the current man in charge too, Santiago Solari.

"Will he keep the job? I don't know. Coaches' lifespans depend on results and then it's important to know how the board of directors feel as well," Figo added. "Football is very difficult. There are a lot of great coaches who don't get good results and then there are others, who perhaps aren't as good, who get better results. How can you explain that?"