Real Madrid Appoint Julen Lopetegui As Manager

Real Madrid has announced Spain national team coach Julen Lopetegui as club’s new manager, following Zinedine Zidane exit.

Zidane had about two weeks ago announced his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu, five days after becoming the first coach to win the Champions League in three consecutive seasons.

The club says Lopetegui will be handed a three-year contract, adding that the 51-year-old will take up the position after the World Cup, which begins on 14 June and ends 15 July.

“Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of Real Madrid after the 2018 World Cup in Russia,” a club statement read.

“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.”

Spain will take on Portugal in their opening group game this Friday. They also play Morocco and Iran in the group stages.