Julen Lopetegui is back at a World Cup and is hoping to hang around a little longer this time.
Lopetegui’s previous experience of the global showpiece ended before it had begun when he was sacked by Spain two days before their opening game at Russia 2018. Having agreed to become Real Madrid boss after the tournament, without the knowledge of the Spanish Football Federation, Lopetegui was promptly dismissed and sent home.
He returns with different expectations in charge of a Qatar side that qualified for the first time having been hosts in 2022.
He accepts the small Middle Eastern nation are the underdogs in Group B that also contains Saturday’s opponents Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina but is using that as motivation.
He told AS: “We are aware of what we are. I think the starting point is to accept that. Every country that sees the name Qatar drawn in their group will be satisfied. For us, that means we don’t lower our head, it’s the other way round.”
Lopetegui rubbished suggestions it is a weak pool and was quick to highlight the strength of the opposition.
He added: “Switzerland have been one of the strongest teams in Europe over the last eight years. Canada are surely the best team in North America, they have clearly imposed themselves on the United States and Mexico in recent years. And Bosnia eliminated Wales in Wales and Italy. They are rivals who have all the ingredients to be heavy favourites before us.”
It is a tough start for Qatar against a Swiss side for whom this is a sixth successive World Cup finals appearance.
They have reached the round of 16 in four of their last five attempts and have a squad packed with experience, led by captain Granit Xhaka and also containing Gregor Kobel, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez and Remo Freuler.
Coach Hakan Yakin told FIFA.com: “As a coach, it’s great to have players of such calibre – in terms of their character, mentality and experience – who also take on a lot of responsibility and play a key role at their clubs.
“You really can see the difference in their quality, intensity and training standards; the way they make their team-mates better, the way they make them stronger, the way they set an example for the young lads day in, day out.”
Midfielder Johan Manzambi, 20, is one to watch while Leeds winger Noah Okafor will look to build on an excellent first season in the Premier League.
