Julen Lopetegui today celebrates his 52nd birthday. The tactician was born on 28 August 1966 in Asteausu (Guipúzcoa) and, after having taken over the reins at Real Madrid in June, is embarking on his first campaign at the helm. "We'll be trying to give it our best and will fight to perform to the level that this club demands of us or even exceed it", stated Lopetegui when he was unveiled as the club's manager.



Lopetegui has got his reign off to a fine start in LaLiga after winning the first two games, with six goals for and one against. He was previously the head coach of the Spanish national team, a spell which saw him go unbeaten in his 20-game stint in charge. As a coach of the Spain youth teams he lifted the U19 and U21 European Championship titles. He also enjoyed a long career as a goalkeeper, turning out for Castilla, whilst he was a member of the Real Madrid first team between 1989 and 1991.