La Liga
Real Madrid appoints Julen Lopetegui as new manager of the club
Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Julen Lopetegui will become the club’s new coach after the World Cup. The announcement comes days before the beginning of the tournament. The club also indicated that the Spanish manager has a three-year deal with the Santiago Bernabeu team.
This comes as rather surprising news given the nature of importance Spain has with their national team. Perhaps the announcement of it wasn’t with perfect-timing, for Spain, but its great for Real Madrid. Nevertheless, many will question Lopetegui’s decision, specially if his side performs under par with other teams.
The 51-year-old will replace Zinedine Zidane who left the club on May 31. However, Lopetegui is leading Spain to his first international tournament since succeeding Vicente del Bosque two years ago.
Lopetegui also managed Madrid B team between 2008 and 2009. He managed Spain at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level before moving to Porto.
Spain will face Portugal on Friday in the second day of the World Cup tournament.
