Doha, Qatar (AP) – Qatar designated Julen Lopetegui on Thursday, the former technical of Real Madrid and Spain, as a national coach.
Lopetegui, 58, signed a contract until the 2027 Asian Cup, where Qatar will seek his third consecutive title. His first party in command will be on June 5 at home against Iran and, five days later, in Uzbekistan.
“Ready for a new chapter. Welcome Lopetegui. We are excited to embark on this trip together,” Qatar Football Association said in a message on social networks:.
Lopetegui replaces his Spanish compatriot Luis García, who assumed the position only last December and whose departure was also announced on Thursday.
The QFA wrote on social networks: “The QFA extends its deepest thanks to Mr. Garcia for his professionalism and dedication during his time with the team.”
After bad results in the classification for the World Cup, Qatar is in fourth place in Group A of Asia, outside the contest to finish in the first two places that guarantee a place in the 2026 tournament. However, there is still an opportunity for the host of 2022 to qualify for the first time through the repechage.
The last two Lopetegui works were in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham, where he was fired in January.
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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
