Friday, July 22, 2016
Yesterday, the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (Royal Spanish Football Federation) announced Julen Lopetegui would manage the Spanish men’s national football team. As the coach, Lopetegui’s first match is scheduled against Belgium in September.
Julen Lopetegui has previously managed the U-21 (Under 21) Spanish men’s team. He has also coached Portuguese club FC Porto.
To manage the national team, Lopetegui should not have a contract with any football club. His predecessor, Vicente del Bosque, is the most decorated Spanish coach, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA Euro.
Lopetegui was the manager of Spain’s U-19 team from 2010 till 2012. Later, he handled sub-20 before moving to the U-21 team. Having managed the junior teams of La Roja, Lopetegui is expected to be the in-charge of the 2018 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be hosted in Russia.
del Bosque’s last match as Spain’s manager resulted in a 2–0 defeat against Italy in the UEFA Euro 2016’s Last 16.