The former Spanish manager will be the next Real Madrid coach and he will be unveiled on Thursday afternoon after he was shockingly sacked from his job. The club made the public announcement on Tuesday afternoon. It is a surprising piece of news because Mauricio Pochettino or Jurgen Klopp were the favourites to take the job.
Julen Lopetegui arrived in 2016 to the Spanish manager job. He lead the Spanish national team to the World Cup with a great qualification tournament where they lead their tough group with Italy as runners-up. Besides, he hasn’t lost a single game so far in the Spanish bench, although the team played against tough teams like Germany, England or Argentina. Actually, Spain thrashed the South American group 6-1 in the best game so far under his management. However, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales, sacked him only two days before starting the World Cup for betraying him when negotiating with Real Madrid.
Before he was the head coach at Porto from July 2014 until 2016, being the runner-up of the Primeira Liga behind Benfica. He was successful with the Spanish national team U-21, group leaded by the former goalkeeper for two years.
Lopetegui renewed his contract with Spain for two years just before starting the World Cup thanks to his great results. However, Florentino Pérez’s call changed everything and he will sign a three year deal with Los Blancos.
The Spanish players of Real Madrid suggested his signing because he keeps a very good relationship with Sergio Ramos or Isco, player who is always supported by the coach. Nacho, Lucas Vázquez, Carvajal or Marco Asensio have also good experiences with the manager. Besides he knows very well the club, as he was the goalkeeper of the team and he also trained Castilla (2008-09).
It was a big surprise because Mauricio Pochettino or Jurgen Klopp were the favourites ones. However, it was impossible to sign them as they have contracts with their clubs. Therefore, Real Madrid position was tough and Lopetegui was doable although he had just signed a new contract with the Spanish national team. He has a good character and he knows how to manage the pressure and the media, so he should be able to continue with Zidane’s legacy.
