Real Madrid have announced that the Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui will take over as manager at the Bernabéu after 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Lopetegui has signed a three-year deal with Madrid after two years with the national side, who he has guided to the World Cup in impressive fashion.
The timing of the announcement is unexpected, given that Spain kick off their tournament on Friday when they face Portugal in Sochi.
Lopetegui played for Real between 1988 and 1991 and coached the B team in 2008-09 before joining the national setup as Spain Under-19 coach.
