Julián López de Lerma moves from Espanyol to the Real Madrid Castilla bench

Real Madrid has undergone a shake-up in its technical structure following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, prompted by the defeat in the Super Cup against Barça. Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new first-team coach, triggering a series of internal movements. Among the most notable is the promotion of Julián López de Lerma, a former Espanyol player and coach, who takes charge of the Real Madrid Castilla bench.

López de Lerma, 38 and from Badajoz, joined Espanyol's youth ranks when he was only 14. He made his debut in the Primera División and the UEFA Cup, but knee injuries forced him to retire prematurely at 24. Since then, he began a new phase at the Perico club, first as a scout for young talent and later as a member of the youth academy coaching staff.

In the 2023-24 season, López de Lerma was Manolo González's assistant coach at Espanyol B, succeeding Javi Chica. After thirteen years at the Blanquiazul club, he decided not to renew his contract in 2024 and headed to Real Madrid. There he took charge of Juvenil B, with whom he won the league title in his first year.

This summer, López de Lerma took over from Álvaro Arbeloa in charge of Juvenil A. Now, following Arbeloa's promotion, the Extremaduran coach takes on the challenge of managing Real Madrid Castilla. An unexpected turn for the man who was Manolo González's right-hand man at Espanyol B and who now faces a trial by fire in the white club's youth academy.