Julen Lopetegui, dismissed by Premier League club West Ham in January after just 22 games in charge, has been appointed head coach of Qatar’s national football team, the Qatar Football Association announced on Thursday.
“Ready for a new chapter. Welcome, Lopetegui. We’re excited to embark on this journey together,” the federation posted on social media, accompanied by a short video in which the 58-year-old Spaniard says, “I’m ready.”
Lopetegui has signed a contract running until 2027, covering Qatar’s bid to defend their Asian Cup title and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He replaces fellow Spaniard Luis Garcia and will debut on the sidelines in a home fixture against Iran on June 5.
A former Real Madrid and Barcelona goalkeeper, Lopetegui previously managed Spain’s national team, leading them to 14 wins in 20 matches before being abruptly dismissed on the eve of the 2018 World Cup after accepting the Real Madrid job.
