Real Madrid appoint Lopetegui new manager

Real Madrid have announced that Spanish national team coach Julen Lopetegui will take over as their manager after the World Cup in Russia.

In a brief statement to announce the appointment, Real Madrid said the new coach had been appointed on a three-year contract.

Lopetegui is currently in Russia preparing the Spanish squad for the World Cup.

Real have announced that after the tournament he will take over at the Bernabeu, stepping into the role that Zidane Zidane vacated following his shock departure at the end of May – just days after guiding Real to a third consecutive Champions League title.

Lopetegui, 51, has been in charge of the Spanish national team since July 2016, when he took the reins following the European Championship in France.

He previously had a spell as manager of Porto, as well as with the Spanish national youth team set-up and at Real’s B team.

He is a surprise appointment as he was not one of the names widely touted to be Zidane’s replacement.