Julen Lopetegui appointed new Qatar boss 

Lopetegui replaces fellow Spaniard Luis Garcia, who took the job only last December and whose departure was also announced on Thursday.

New Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Qatar have appointed former Real Madrid and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui as their new national coach on Thursday.

Lopetegui, 58, has signed a contract until the 2027 Asian Cup, where Qatar will go for a third consecutive title. His first game in charge is on June 5 at home to Iran, and then in Uzbekistan five days later.