Former Porto boss Julian Lopetegui has been appointed as Spain’s new manager, replacing
Vicente del Bosque.who left the role following a disappointing Euro
2016 campaign and
now Lopetegui, the former Porto head coach, will look to guide the
country towards qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Lopetegui was recently linked with taking over the reins at Championship
side Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to being named as Del Bosque’s
successor.
Lopetegui has
managed Spain at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level – winning the
European Championships with the Under-19s and Under-21s – and has now
made the step up to the senior side.
Lopetegui guided Porto to the Champions League quarter-finals
during the 2014/15 season but a poor run of form last season led him
being dismissed in January.
The 49-year-old former goalkeeper,
who was on the books at both Real Madrid and Barcelona during his player
career, will take control of his first game in September, in a friendly
against Belgium.
Lopetegui was recently linked with taking over the reins at Championship
side Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to being named as Del Bosque’s
successor.