In early May 2025, the Qatar Football Association announced its contract with Spaniard Julien Lopetegui to assume the responsibility of the technical management of the first team, succeeding his citizen Luis Garcia, to complete the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
“The Arabs” succeeded in reaching Mr. Albert Siladis Lopez, former Lopetegui’s assistant at Real Madrid, who talked about his friend’s experience with Al Annabi.
Lopez expressed his overwhelming happiness that Lopetegui took over the artistic helm of the Asian champion for two consecutive versions, stressing that his friend, after his experiences with Spain and Real Madrid, is able to lead Annabi towards qualifying for the next World Cup.
He added that Lopetegui is a wonderful coach, is considered as the father and older brother of players at all stages, and has a good spirit and high morals, which will reflect positively on the stars of the Qatari team in order to achieve achievement.
He pointed out that Lopetegui’s distinctive style, based on acquisition and high pressure on opponents, will be useful for the team.
Lopez also praised Qatar’s leading and successful experience in hosting international forums, led by the impressive organization of the 2022 World Cup, which has become the world’s talk.
He added: “As we know, there is the U -17 World Cup championship that will be organized in the finest and finest stadiums, and for sure the success will be the title of all the tournaments hosted by Qatar.”
He concluded his speech with his wishes for success to his friend Rifaq Al -Annabi, expressing his hope to achieve success and achievement in his new career.
1. How did you receive the news of the appointment of Julien Lopetegui as coach of the Qatari team?
I am always happy to hear the good news about my friends, and I think this is a great step for him and a new and exciting challenge in his training career, if Betiti is a wonderful and ambitious coach so it deserves progress in every step he takes at the level of his training project and I will be proud of all his pilgrims with Al Annabi during his new journey.
2. What do you know about Qatar football and its recent development?
Qatar has invested greatly in football over the years, whether in infrastructure, training, or attracting talents from coaches and players, these efforts contributed to a clear development of the game during the past decade, and the progress that Qatar does not urge me to an individual certificate everyone who lives in the continental forums that Qatar has been organized as well as the wonderful offers that the team offers during the various championships, the last of which is to keep the Asian Cup title for the second time.
3. How do you see Qatar hosting the U -17 World Cup for three verses to come, especially after success in organizing the World Cup 2022?
Qatar’s success in organizing the 2022 World Cup was remarkable, and this experience will certainly help it organize under -17 championships at the same level of professionalism and success, and I also mentioned to you Qatar Qatar with a good infrastructure and bright cadres in order to develop the game and everyone is waiting for an exceptional version during the World Cup of Junior Championships in the end of the year.
4. In your opinion, what unique qualities can add to Lopetegui to Qatar football?
Lopetegui is a high -ranking coach. He will provide a lot of experience, leadership, tactical thought, and discipline, and he has previously led major teams and clubs, and I am sure that he will contribute to raising the level of the Qatari team, always carries development ideas and this will contribute to the Awabi Al -Annabi during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with distinctive materials from the players and the accompaniment of Lopetegi everyone promised to upcoming successes.
5. How do you evaluate his ability to adapt to sports culture in Qatar?
This is not the first time that he has worked outside his country. He has successful experiences in different countries and clubs, and achieved distinguished results, I am confident of his ability to adapt and benefit from the available capabilities to achieve the best possible performance, because in every new step he has a specific plan that he seeks to implement and he is able to harness his experiences in order to put his mark in the new challenge for him with Al Annabi.
6. Do you think his previous experiences with Spain and Real Madrid will help him lead Al Annabi to success?
Undoubtedly, he has extensive experience in working with young players and developing them, and this is very important for the Qatari team who has a promising youth base, the presence of a coach like him is a great gain, in order to birth of new names in the sky of Qatar football in the short time, certainly the Qatari Federation found his lost in Lopetegui and this will be evident during the coming period.
7. How do you describe Lopetegui’s character outside the field? Do you think it will positively affect the players?
He is a committed person with high morals, and his personality will have a positive impact not only on the players, but on all workers within the Qatari Federation and the football system in the country.
Lopetegui is a unique school and has its distinctive style with everyone, so I told you that it is a real gain for the Qatari team, any team or an ambitious club that has studied projects and plans that wish the name of Lopetegui to create a positive change at all levels.