Hierro looking ahead with Spain following Lopetegui saga

Spain's World Cup plans was thrown into chaos by Julen Lopetegui's departure but Fernando Hierro says now is not the time for regrets.

Fernando Hierro says there is no time for Spain to lament its pre-World Cup plans being left in disarray by the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation announced on Wednesday, the eve of the finals, that Lopetegui had been sacked, just 24 hours after it was confirmed he would take over at Real Madrid following the tournament.

Hierro, a former captain of La Roja whose international career spanned from 1989 to 2002, has assumed the reins for the World Cup, where Spain must first tackle a Group B consisting of Portugal, Iran and Morocco.

The retired defender insists that rather than rue its chaotic preparations, the 2010 winners must move on swiftly, with Cristiano Ronaldo and the reigning European champions looming as their opening test in Sochi on Friday.

"The players are excited, they want this challenge, it's a challenge for everyone, we do not have time to regret. We have to be positive, opinions are not valid here, we have to turn the page, be positive, think about the players in the squad and what we represent," he told a media conference.

"We came to fight for the World Cup, the team is excited, we have a great opportunity and that must be the focus. I know that they are going to give up their soul and give 100 per cent in a World Cup ... we all know what this means. The response I've received is fantastic, it's a united group, they know their goals," he added.

Hierro said that the team has "the obligation to think that we have a great opportunity" and they it needs "the work and dedication of the whole world." He added that the team will try with all of its strength.

Hierro, a five-time LaLiga winner as well a European champion on three occasions with Madrid, offered his best wishes to Lopetegui.

"My highest admiration for Julen Lopetegui. I wish you the best of luck," he said.

"When the president told me about the possibility, there were two or three alternatives: one was to say no, the other was to leave, the third was to be here to take a step forward for the federation and for Spanish football."