OFFICIAL: Former Spain U21 Manager, Albert Celades, to Join Lopetegui’s Coaching Staff

Albert Celades will join Real Madrid as assistant manager to Julen Lopetegui. His career as a trainer has been with the lower levels of the Spanish National team set-up where he has coached the U21 group from 2014 - 2018. During his time as manager, he was the runner up to Germany in the U21 European Championships where Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio, Marcos Llorente, and Vallejo all played a key role. Borja Mayoral was one of the younger players also a part of that squad. Prior to his role with the Under 21 team, Celades managed the U16 Spanish National team (while supporting the U21 set-up as well) from 2013-2017. He was also a part of the Spanish coaching staff in both the Brazil 2014 World Cup and most recently in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

As a player, Albert Celades played for Real Madrid from 2000-2004. Most notably during the Galactico Era, playing alongside the likes of Zidane, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Figo, and Ronaldo. Like Lopetegui, he played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Celades was actually born in Barcelona and came up through their youth system. In total he played four seasons with the Barcelona first team before moving to Celta Vigo for one year. Following his short stint at Vigo, he made the move to Real Madrid. He played 101 games for Los Blancos and formed as part of the team that won the 9^thEuropean Cup. As a Madridista he also won the Club World Cup, a European Super Cup, two La Liga titles, and a Spanish Super Cup.