La Liga
Julen Lopetegui: Three Things We’ve Learned So Far
When Zinedine Zidane shockingly stepped down as coach of Real Madrid in May, nobody quite knew what to expect. Club president Florentino Perez was visibly unprepared for such a development. And he wasn’t the only one.
Nevertheless, shortly after that Julen Lopetegui was announced as the Frenchman’s replacement. Despite no new major signings in attack, the former Madrid and Barcelona goalkeeper hopes to keep Los Blancos competitive in all competitions.
With two La Liga matchdays down, here are three things we’ve learned so far about the Spanish coach in his first season with the whites.
1. Imposing His Style
Ever since early pre-season training, the former Spain coach has pursued a new style of play with his team. Of course, no one expects Lopetegui to adopt his predecessor’s style entirely. However, many are surprised at the amount of possession in this new look Madrid.
Real averaged 70% possession in both La Liga games so far, winning both and conceding only once. Interestingly, the middle of the field seems to be the most important area for the coach, with almost all substitutions so far adjusting the midfield in some way.
In contrast to last season, the European champions averaged a max of 55% possession. This is an understandable change, possibly affected by the loss of their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. Possession suits the whites under Lopetegui as they now seek to build attacks from the work of midfielders Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco Alcorcon.
2. Development Of Young Players
Although many may not know of Lopetegui’s reputation as a man who is good at developing young talent. His confidence in young players has been evident nevertheless. ‘Madridistas’ will be comfortable having him responsible for the futures of Odegaard, Reguillon, Odriozola, Vallejo, Lunin, Vinicius Jr. and more.
Likewise, Isco, Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Casemiro are all beneficiaries of Lopetegui’s coaching in their younger years. The Spanish players in Spain’s youth teams and the Brazilian at FC Porto 2014-2015. Evidently, the coach is securing the next generation that will don the white shirt of Madrid.
In addition to playing opportunities, loan deals are carefully being chosen to ensure positive development. There is a sense of trust in the Basque born coach. Few coaches would be able to move Vinicius Jr. to Real Madrid’s B team without considerable backlash as the coach did this week. If Lopetegui does it, it must be for the best.
3. Not Intimidated
If one thing is clear in the capital of Spain, it is that Real’s coach is not afraid to do his job. The former FC Porto manager is not intimidated by big names and the team seems better off for it. Surprisingly, and to the disappointment of many, new signing Thibaut Courtois has yet to play for the whites.
The Belgian, along with Brazilian Vinicius Jr, are arguably the most exciting signings for the club over the summer. As it happens, the Brazilian now finds himself with the youth team. Apparently, the demotion is for his continued development. In effect, many in Spain and Brazil are angered. Lopetegui however, is unfazed.
In the case of Courtois, the ‘problem’ is the continued positive performances of current number one Keylor Navas. Lopetegui continues to reward the Costa Rican with a starting spot, despite the price tag associated with his alternative. It’s a brave move that could predictably cause problems, but most likely the right decision.
These moves are accompanied by benching club captain Marcelo on Sunday, starting Nacho in place of Rafael Varane, refusing to start Modric until he is ready and assigning all set piece authority to team captain Sergio Ramos. These decisions show a coach who is in charge. Big names mean nothing.
Conclusion
Real Madrid find themselves top of the table after two match days. It will be several months before knowing for sure if Lopetegui can deliver silverware to the capital city. Meanwhile, Madrid are a step closer to finding their identity under their new manager. The still fairly young manager’s character and endurance will stretch as tougher opponents come and pressure mounts. So far, he appears equal to the task.
