In The Big Interview, the former goalkeeper opens up about his first coaching stint in Asia, his first impressions of Asian teams, and the sheer excitement of leading Qatar at the global showpiece later this year.

While reflecting on a glittering career that includes honours such as the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla, as well as European Championship titles with Spain’s U19 and U21 national teams, Lopetegui also revealed the key ingredients behind his well-reputed work ethic and his thoughts on the rapidly-evolving role of the goalkeeper in the modern game.

Besides the intriguing tete-a-tete, the report also traces the major highlights from the 5th AFC Grassroots Conference, which took place from November 11 to 13, 2025. Bringing together more than 100 managers, leaders, and specialists, the three-day event addressed a wide range of topics, issues, and challenges shaping the grassroots landscape in Asia.

Another key segment of the publication is a comprehensive summation of the series of online sessions conducted by the AFC Technical Department throughout the year, reviewing the numerous national and club competitions that marked the packed 2024/25 season. Among the most notable virtual events was the AFC Elite Club Coaches Forum, which celebrated its 10th anniversary milestone in the presence of stalwarts of the game such as Ange Postecoglou and Roy Hodgson.

With technological advancements taking up an increasingly prominent space in the football ecosystem, Coaches Circle 15 also includes a glimpse into the many ways artificial intelligence is being gradually incorporated into coaching courses through the sensible use of AI tools to support coach education, enhance performance analysis, and personalise learning experiences.

 

Replete with tactical analyses and expert insights, Coaches Circle 15, available here, is an engaging read for both technical staff and the millions of passionate followers of the Asian game.