Real Madrid raid Spain again for Albert Celades

Real Madrid have once again invoked the wrath of the Spanish Football Association after swooping for their recently-departed Under 21 manager Albert Celades.

The 42-year-old, who starred as a midfielder for Barcelona and Real Madrid during a successful playing career, moves to the Bernabeu as Julen Lopetegui's assistant.

Celades left his role as U21 manager last month after four years in the job. It was widely claimed in the Spanish media that he was upset after being overlooked for the senior role in favour of Luis Enrique.

He had also been in the running to come in as temporary manager when Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup, but eventually had to settle for being an assistant to Fernando Hierro.

Although surviving four years in the role as U21 manager, Celades faced criticism for not instilling a notable philosophy into the side.

That was deemed to be the case at the European U21 Championships in 2017, where they reached the final but did not meet the high standards of fans used to flowing football.

But he has clearly won the favour of Lopetegui, who faces the unenviable task of succeeding the unprecedentedly successful Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid manager.

Celades will travel to the USA to link up with the Real Madrid squad, who are in the midst of a pre-season tour and are due to play Juventus in the International Champions Cup in Maryland on Saturday.

Their first competitive game of the season comes on August 15, when they play city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.