Real Madrid announce Julen Lopetegui as new coach

Real Madrid announce Julen Lopetegui as new coach

Real Madrid have made the surprise announcement on Tuesday afternoon of Julen Lopetegui's appointment as their next coach.

With Spain currently preparing for their World Cup opener with Portugal on Friday, it had been expected that the 51-year-old would be given a new contract to lead La Roja into the subsequent European Championship.

However Real Madrid have beaten the RFEF to the punch and confirmed through their website that Lopetegui will join after the World Cup on a three-year deal.