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Amidst all the chaos of the World Cup, Real Madrid has appointed a new manager - Julen Lopetegui.
What happened to Pocchetino, Sarri, Conte or even Andres Villas-Boas? As Real Madrid fans around the world scratch their heads in bewilderment, this might actually end up being a good thing.
Julen Lopetegui, the current manager of the Spanish national team, will take over the team at the end of the World Cup in Russia. The former Porto and Spanish U-21 manager will assume the post of Los Blancos manager when literally no one expected this.
How will it work out for Madrid though? Here are 4 reasons why the move is not as insane as it sounds.
#1 Spanish roots for Madrid
Real Madrid's last five managers have been from Chile, Portugal, Italy, Spain, and France - in that order. The only Spanish manager was Rafael Benitez - who had the shortest stint of the lot.
While this is not a case for concern as football is getting more and more globalized, but for a club of Madrid's stature, it needs to hold on to its roots.
Last season in La Liga, 17 of the teams had Spanish mangers (except Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna). The appointment of Lopetegui might add more of a Spanish touch to Real Madrid's brand of football, in addition to its international popularity.
As the manager of the U-21 team, Lopetegui was instrumental in developing newer talents and with Madrid he can continue that - only with more funds available to him. Perez has gradually dropped out from his Galactic-obsessed days into a more careful method of spending, and what better way than to scout younger local talents?
The influx of newer and more Spanish youth prospects into the Madrid squad is good for the team as well as the national team. They are bound to be cheaper and at the same time get exposed to football at the highest levels.
#2 Tactics
For everything Zidane won, he was never considered a master tactician, and for good measure. Zidane relies more on his man management - motivating them to be better players - but not the team as a whole on a level of tactics.
This is where Lopetegui shines. His style of play with the Spanish team is nothing short of mesmerizing, and after the uncountable crosses that made even the starkest of Madrid fans sigh deeply, it will be a welcome change at Madrid.
Madrid to be fair have never thrived under a manager with possession based football, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out for them.
If they can however assimilate Lopetegui's switch in style, Barcelona should be careful because they might get bested at their own game.
#3 The future of Isco
Why is Isco's future so important? Because at 26, Isco is very vital to Spain and Madrid's future, but he was being wasted away on the bench for much of this season.
Sure, Zidane used him but when you have a player like Isco, you do not merely use them but use them well.
It is no secret that Isco is a completely transformed player when playing for Spain - and it is all about the tactics.
In the national team, Isco plays more as a number 10 than as a winger, and has more freedom going forward - unlike at Madrid where he has to track back to defensive positions as well.
Under the same Lopetegui, Isco was responsible for Spain's crushing victory over Argentina, and this partnership at the club can only end up well for Madrid.
With rumors abundant that Isco was looking for a move away from the club in the summer, this appointment might just be necessary to tie him to the club.
It is much easier and better to hold on to Isco, who has proven to have the potential to be one of the best midfielders, than to spend a huge amount to procure someone else.
Admittedly, this might not be the reason for the appointment, but a natural part of it. Either way, Isco will be happy and so should the Madrid fans.
#4 Avoiding the pressures of a high profile appointment
No offense to Lopetegui, but he is not exactly the most famous manager on the face of the planet. By appointing him, Madrid have bypassed the risks that appointing a high profile manager would have brought to the club.
When Zidane was announced first as the manager of Madrid, it was the general consensus that it would only be an interim project - Zidane would see out the 6 months and then another established manager would take over. Then came the Champions trophy. And then two more.
Zidane's appointment turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Madrid, as it subdued the ridiculously high expectations of their fans, as well as satisfy them by appointing a club legend.
Anyone following in the footsteps of a hat-trick of CL trophies is certain to have enormous pressure, and Lopetegui is a clever way to avoid that.
If Lopetegui fails (hopefully he will not), Madrid can always go for another star manager, only this time without them feeling that the job might come with too much baggage. Friendly reminder that this is not a reason to think Lopetegui will fail, but just a way of covering all possible options.
