Real Madrid announces Julen Lopetegui as new manager

The Spanish giants have announced the current Spain manager as successor to Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as the new manager of the club. Lopetegui will take charge of the Los Blancos after the FIFA World Cup in Russia. He is currently in-charge of Spain’s national football team.

In a press release, Real Madrid announced their new manager.

“Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of Real Madrid after 2018 World Cup,” the press release read.

“Real Madrid C. F. announces that Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of 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,” it further stated.

Zinedine Zidane resigned as the manager of the club five days after leading the team to Champions League glory. He became the first manager to win three consecutive Champions League titles.

Various managers were under speculation to succeed Zidane at the club. Among them were Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s current boss, and Arsene Wenger, who also resigned after 22 years at Arsenal.

The 51-year old has managed Real Madrid’s B team in the past. Before taking charge of the national team, he managed Portuguese club FC Porto.

He is also one of the few footballers who have played for both the El Clasico rivals, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. He was a goalkeeper during his time as a player.

Lopetegui has also coached the Spain’s national age-group teams.