West Ham United has announced the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach. The 57-year-old Spaniard, who has been out of a managerial role since leaving Wolves in August, will join the Hammers on a two-year deal with the option for a third.
Lopetegui expressed his happiness at joining West Ham, stating that he is thrilled to be part of the future of such a big club. He revealed that there were other opportunities available to him, but he chose West Ham because they also chose him. The new head coach is excited about the platform that the club provides and is ambitious to achieve more and bigger aims.
The appointment of Lopetegui comes after West Ham confirmed that David Moyes would be leaving at the end of the season. Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League in 2023, faced increasing pressure due to a poor run of results that saw the Hammers finish ninth in the Premier League and miss out on European qualification for the fourth consecutive season.
Lopetegui will officially start his role on 1 July, just in time for pre-season preparations. The team will embark on a two-week trip to the United States, where they will face Crystal Palace and Wolves in friendly matches.
West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, spoke highly of Lopetegui, praising his deep understanding of the game and tactical acumen. He highlighted Lopetegui’s ability to adapt to different leagues and situations, showcasing his outstanding qualities as a coach.
Commenting on the appointment, West Ham’s joint chairman, David Sullivan, expressed his belief that Lopetegui’s arrival would provide a strong opportunity for the club to build on the positive progress made in recent seasons. Sullivan emphasized the alignment of Lopetegui’s ambitions with the club’s own aspirations.
Julen Lopetegui brings a wealth of experience to West Ham, having previously managed the Spanish national team and Real Madrid. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 before his brief stint at Wolves. Lopetegui’s passion for football is evident, and his dedication to improving players and teams will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for West Ham.
Overall, the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as West Ham’s new head coach signifies the club’s determination to continue their upward trajectory. With Lopetegui’s track record and commitment to excellence, the Hammers can look forward to an exciting future under his leadership.