Julen Lopetegui has paid tribute to the Real Madrid fans following his dismissal as manager on Monday.

The club’s board took action following the 5-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Sunday’s defeat leaves the club ninth in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Barcelona.

The 52-year-old, who was named as Real manager days before he was preparing to lead Spain into this summer’s World Cup, won four of his 10 league games in charge.

Madrid released a statement to confirm Lopetegui’s exit in which they appeared to criticise the former Porto boss for failing to make the most of a talented squad.

The statement said: “There is a great disproportion between the quality of the squad, which has eight players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and the results obtained so far [this season]”.

However, Lopetegui refused to hit back at the Los Blancos board and instead thanked everyone at the club.

“After the decision taken by the Real Madrid board of directors, I want to thank the club for the opportunity they gave me,” he said in a brief statement provided to EFE.

“Thank you to the players for their effort and their work, as well as to each and every one of the club’s employees, for their good treatment during this time.

“And, of course my gratitude to the fans for their backing. I send them my best wishes for the rest of the season.”

Early candidates to replace Lopetegui include former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

Santiago Solari has been placed in temporary charge of the team with his first game coming in the Copa del Rey with Melilla on Wednesday.