Spain have announced the appointment of former Porto boss Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach.
The Spanish Football Federation has been searching for Vicente del Bosque's replacement since the 65-year-old announced his resignation following the national team's Euro 2016 exit in June.
Lopetegui has been selected to take the reins after Spain failed to retain the European Championship crown by getting knocked out in the last-16 stage.
OFICIAL | Julen Lopetegui (@julenlopetegui), nuevo seleccionador absoluto español https://t.co/MWHox8YRV1
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) July 21, 2016
La Roja had won the previous two tournaments in 2008 and 2012, but they have since dipped on the international stage having also failed to get out of their group in the 2014 World Cup.
Lopetegui, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona in his career as a goalkeeper, has big boots to fill given that Del Bosque guided Spain to European and World Cup glory in his eight-year spell in charge.
As a manager, the 49-year-old has coached Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid reserves and more notably Spain at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 levels.
After two years in charge of Porto, Lopetegui now joins the national coaching setup, but the appointment causes uncertainty over the managerial situation at Wolverhampton Wanderers as the Championship club were reportedly keen on hiring the Spaniard once a takeover was complete.
Danielle Joynson
