Spain manager Julen Lopetegui will take over as Real Madrid manager after the World Cup, the club have confirmed.
Real had been heavily linked with a number of managerial appointments after the shock resignation of Zinedine Zidane, which includes Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and Porto manager Andre Villas-Boas.
However, they have now decided to appoint Lopetegui, who recently signed a new two-year extension with the Spanish Football Federation just last month .
But after the conclusion of the tournament in Russia, which Spain are considered one of the favourites to win, Lopetegui will move into the role at Santiago Bernabeu.
A statement read: “Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of Real Madrid after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“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.”
Lopetegui will go head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup, with Spain set to take on Portugal in their opening group match this Friday. They also have Morocco and Iran in their group.
Zinedine Zidane took the decision to step down after lifting the Champions League trophy, and a replacement has now been found, though expectations are unlikely to be any lower.
Lopetegui has history with Real Madrid, having managed the club’s B team between 2008 and 2009.
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A trusted youth coach, having also managed Spain at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, though he failed to win any trophy at FC Porto and was sacked.
It remains to be seen if he will join Real as a World Cup winner, though Spain’s squad has more than enough exciting talent.
