Julen Lopetegui, sacked by Premier League side West Ham in January, was appointed the new head coach of Qatar on Thursday.

Lopetegui, who previously coached Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and will take charge of West Ham on July 1, replaces David Moyes, who left the London club this month.

Real Madrid sacked coach Julen Lopetegui three months into his first season in charge after the Spanish giants were beaten by arch rivals Barcelona over the weekend, the European champions said on Monday.

New Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui backs Gareth Bale to fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid will present Julen Lopetegui as their new coach at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium today at 7 pm (1700 GMT), the Spanish giants said in a statement.

Spain named federation sporting director Fernando Hierro as its World Cup coach to replace Julen Lopetegui, who was sensationally sacked after his appointment as Real Madrid manager.

They may not be a top seed for World Cup draw in Moscow, but the fresh blood added by coach Julen Lopetegui puts Spain back among the favourites for glory next July.