Julen Lopetegui – One Step Away From Redemption

The regression

On 12 June 2018, Julen Lopetegui was announced as the new manager of Real Madrid after the conclusion of Spain’s involvement at the World Cup. The following day, the Spanish Football Federation relieved him of his duties with the national team. However, fourteen games into his new job, Real Madrid fired him owing to a string of poor results.

As a result, this was a fatal blow For Lopetegui. Having spent years and gradually coming to the top of the management world, his career seemed to crumble down. He had lost two of the most prestigious jobs in football in a matter of months. This put a huge dent in his distinction as a coach.

The road to redemption

Sevilla’s sporting director, Monchi, had returned from AS Roma to a club in transition. At his arrival, he chose his fellow ex-goalkeeper to partner him in the rebuilding process. So, on 5 June 2019, Sevilla appointed Lopetegui the new manager on a three-year contract.

Lopetegui’s coaching career has come tantalizingly close to hitting the heights. A tale of opportunities
slipping away at crucial moments. However, he has rejuvenated his coaching career and looks to regain his lost fame with a fantastic run of form with his new team, Sevilla.

After guiding Sevilla to a commendable top-four finish in La Liga, Lopetegui has taken Sevilla into the
UEFA Europa League finals for a showpiece clash against Inter Milan after beating the English giants and heavy favorites Manchester United.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Europa Final against Inter Milan is his shot at redemption. It would be a great opportunity for him to prove the Real Madrid board and the Spanish Football hierarchy wrong. He now stands just one win away from rebuilding his stature as one of the best managers in world football, yet again.

For more articles related to the Europa League, click here.