Ramos rowed with Rubiales over Lopetegui sacking

The fallout from 'La Roja's managerial situation is still settling and recent reports will do little to ease the tense mood in the camp ahead of their opening game of the World Cup.

Before Rubiales decided to fire Lopetegui, he allegedly met with Ramos, Gerard Pique, David Silva and Andres Iniesta as the players made their case for the head coach to stay.

Ramos was reportedly the most vocal of the group but his words fell on deaf ears and had to be pulled away by Pique when Rubiales revealed he would be giving Lopetegui the chop.

However, since that incident, Ramos and new coach Fernando Hierro put on a united front during their final press conference before the big clash against Portugal on Friday evening.

Ramos told reporters: "Spain must be above any name. The sooner we all leave this, the better for everyone".