La Liga giants Real Madrid have announced that current Spanish National team coach Julen Lopetegui will take over at the management of Real after the conclusion of the upcoming FIFA World Cup held in Russia. Los Blancos also announced that Lopetegui has signed a three-year contract.
In a statement announcing Lopetegui’s appointment, Real Madrid said, “Real Madrid CF announces that Julen Lopetegui will coach the first team for the next three seasons. Julen Lopetegui will join the club after the participation of the Spanish team in the World Cup, after two years leading the national team.”
The move comes as a surprise with much speculation held over who would be talking over from Zinedine Zidane at the helm. Lopetegui was not mentioned as high on the list as some candidates such as Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, and current Real Madrid Castilla head-coach Guti.
51-year-old Lopetegui, who was a goalkeeper during his playing days, made a sole appearance for Los Blancos. Later in his career, he served as the second-choice goalkeeper for Real Madrid’s most heated rivals Barcelona making 5 appearances for the Catalan giants.
He also coached Real Madrid’s Castilla squad during the 2008-09 season before going on to Spain’s National U19, U20, and U21 sides.
His first top-flight managerial job came with Portuguese giants FC Porto in 2014. After spending two seasons in Portugal, Lopetegui was named coach of the Spanish National side in 2016 and was under contract till 2020 before he received the call from Madrid.
He will inherit arguably the most successful team of the 21st century with his predecessor Zinedine Zidane breaking numerous records during his spell with Real Madrid.
Real recently won its fourth Champions League title in the last five years with the last three coming in as many years.