After nine trophies that included three-consecutive Champions League titles in just two years and four months in charge of Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane made certain that his would be a tough act to follow.
The man entrusted with the task of maintaining the Spanish giants’ incredible run of recent success is Julen Lopetegui.
An enormous job awaits the 51-year-old, who is currently leading Spain into the World Cup in Russia, as there are several issues that need addressing once his duties with the national team are concluded.
GOALKEEPER
Reports linking David De Gea to Madrid just won’t go away and if there’s one manager who could persuade the Manchester United star to force the move through, it’s Lopetegui.
He’s shown great faith in the goalkeeper’s abilities having worked with the 25-year-old not just with Spain’s senior squad but also while he coached the younger age groups. Lopetegui will have to take a decision on Keylor Navas and accordingly act to recruit De Gea.
SUPERSTARS
Resolving the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale swiftly will serve to pacify Madrid’s support. The Portugal star is likely angling for a pay-rise following his phenomenal form in 2018. Meanwhile, the club’s hierarchy will be keen on retaining Bale’s services after his Champions League final heroics.
The Wales forward, however, has demanded regular playing time. Lopetegui is a big fan of Spain internationals Isco and Marco Asensio, meaning he must decide whether it is worth giving into Bale’s demands.
STRIKER
With Zidane gone, Karim Benzema has lost his protective shield. The striker is dispensable but with Harry Kane signing a new six-year deal at Tottenham, Madrid’s options in the market are limited.
They could yet make a swoop for Robert Lewandowski or perhaps look at one of the strikers who have shone in Serie A. Lopetegui’s arrival also means a return for Valencia’s Rodrigo Moreno becomes a viable option.
YOUNG GUNS
Lopetegui’s extensive work with younger age groups makes him the perfect candidate to help Madrid blood some of the emerging youngsters. The likes of Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente and Mateo Kovacic need to be able to relieve midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
At 32, centre-back Sergio Ramos will need replacing in the coming years as well with Jesus Vallejo slowly making the grade. Lopetegui will no doubt relish the opportunity to get the most out of Asensio in attack, as well.
