Julen Lopetegui to Remain as Wolves Head Coach
Wolves have dismissed speculation surrounding Julen Lopetegui’s future and confirmed that he will remain as their head coach next season. Matt Hobbs, the club’s sporting director, said Lopetegui is “committed, he loves the area and the club” and that there was “never any doubt” he would stay.
Lopetegui took over in November when Wolves were bottom of the Premier League table and guided them to safety. However, his future had been uncertain due to the club’s financial situation, with the former Spain and Real Madrid coach mentioning Wolves’ Financial Fair Play “problems”.
The Club’s Financial Situation
The club’s financial situation has been a major factor in Lopetegui’s uncertain future. Wolves had to allow him time to understand the project and get his head around how to build a squad to be competitive in the Premier League.
Hobbs said: “What’s important is we’ve been in constant contact throughout. I was never in any doubt that he would remain at Wolves, but we have to acknowledge the project is different to what he thought it was. We had to allow him time to understand it and get his head around how to build a squad to be competitive in the Premier League.”
Lopetegui’s Affinity with Fans
Lopetegui has built an affinity with the fans since taking over at Wolves, winning nine of his 23 league games after replacing Bruno Lage. Hobbs said: “He’s committed, he loves the area and the club. You can see the affinity he has built with the fans, and I never saw a situation where he wouldn’t be our manager.”
The Club’s Summer Strategy
The club have been working on their strategy for the summer, which may be slightly different to what they thought it would be six months ago. Hobbs said: “We’ve been working on our strategy for the summer, and while it may be slightly different to what we thought it would be six months ago, that’s football and we have to react to it. What is fair is that his understanding of the project was different to what it is now, so you have to allow time for that to settle, especially with a manager at his level.”
Conclusion
Wolves have confirmed that Julen Lopetegui will remain as their head coach next season despite speculation surrounding his future due to the club’s financial situation. Lopetegui has built an affinity with the fans since taking over at Wolves and the club are working on their strategy for the summer, which may be slightly different to what they thought it would be six months ago.