Real Madrid President Florentino Perez held a press conference announcing new manager Julen Lopetegui. Here are the details and the announcement.
Earlier today Real Madrid announced new manager Julen Lopetegui. Florentino Perez along with Julen held a press conference to make the announcement official and share some thoughts with the media. The presentation also included the contract signing at the Presidental Box.
The Basque manager signed with Los Blancos for the next three seasons. Julen was welcomed to the stadium by several board members along with President Perez. After the signing of the contract, Julen was gifted a watch, jersey with his name and stadium replica.
This isn’t the first time Julen has been to the Bernabeu. The Spaniard played for the first team and also managed the Castilla for a brief period. Julen’s time with the club will be a great asset as he already understands the culture.
📸 @julenlopetegui
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 14, 2018
🤝 #WelcomeLopetegui#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/7hgfYXveil
Florentino Perez
Florentino Perez opened up the presser sharing his delight in Julen signing with Madrid. Perez said “Today, us Madridistas would like to welcome back someone who knows this club well and has shown what a fantastic professional he is. You have played and managed Castilla for us, as well as playing in the first team”.
Perez continued on to stress the seriousness in taking on the position especially considering Madrid’s recent success in Europe. Florentino applauded Julen on his time with the national team going 20 matches without a loss.
"“From today, you’re taking on the responsibility of coaching a team of legendary status. Today you’re coming back home having achieved qualification for the World Cup in Russia with the Spanish national team in fine fashion, not losing in twenty games. It’s a day of mixed feelings because you were standing before two perfectly compatible dreams: leading Spain on their quest to become world champions and coaching your beloved Real Madrid. The fans will thank you for everything, and the players just the same”."
Florentino Perez was also bold enough to address the elephant in the room. Everyone at this point knows that Julen has sacked by the Spanish FA for his dealing with Real. Perez though was having none of it and felt that Real Madrid did no wrong in contacting the coach. The President pointed out the strong ethical values and morals of the club stating they were “always respecting the clauses and terms of his contract.”
Next: Real Madrid to beat out Liverpool for new keeper
"“Real Madrid reached an agreement with Lopetegui in a matter of hours, exercising both parties’ liberties and always respecting the clauses and terms of his contract. We thought it should be concluded prior to the World Cup starting in the name of transparency. This is a first in footballing history, that a national coach, having come to an agreement with another team, has been considered to have behaved in a disloyal manner. Nothing could be further from the truth. We made our agreement public before the World Cup kicked off in order to avoid it being leaked, and for transparency to prevail”. -Perez on Spanish National Team drama"
Julen Lopetegui
Julen kept his talk short and sweet when addressing the media after the signing ceremony. The new manager expressed his gratitude in the new position. Julen hinted at his content with his squad mentioning that “I believe I’m ready for this adventure and to take the wonderful squad of players we have under my wing.”
What was odd though is the little drop of pessimism expressed by the Spaniard. At Real Madrid anything but silverware is often looked down upon, Julen reiterated this notion but in an odd way. The new manager said, “even in giving everything, you can still come up short.” Let’s just hope his mentality will be more glass half full than empty.
"“I hope I won’t get too emotional. First, I’d like to express my gratittude for the trust and responsibility placed in me, which I relish with great pride. I know I’m coming to a place of great demands, and even in giving everything, you can still come up short. We’re going to do everything in our power to give the best account of ourselves and fight at the level that this club belongs, and even push it higher”.“I believe I’m ready for this adventure and to take the wonderful squad of players we have under my wing. Real Madrid aspires to win everything and I feel part of the family at this club. Yesterday was the saddest day of my life since the death of my mother, but today is the happiest”. -Julen on singing for Real Madrid"