Julen Lopetegui has been appointed on Thursday as the new coach of the Spanish national team, the Spanish Football Federation reported on Thursday through its Twitter account.
The 49-year-old Lopetegui, goalkeeper during his playing days, is the successor of Vicente del Bosque, who stepped down after Spain exited Euro 2016 at the last 16 stage to Italy. He had successes with the team at Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.
Lopetegui, who played with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona as well as Real Sociedad de San Sebastian, has managed Spain’s national team U-19, U-20 and U-21 level and won the European Championships with the U-19s and U-21s.
He coached Porto as well as Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid Castilla Club de Futbol.
Lopetegui will take control of his first game in September, in a friendly match against Euro 2016 quarter-finalists Belgium.