Julen Lopetegui turns down opportunity to become Wolves head coach

Julen Lopetegui has reportedly turned down the opportunity to become the new manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

The 56-year-old was the Wanderers’ preferred candidate for the important position after they sacked Bruno Lage for failing to give them a good start this season. 

The Spaniard is said to have met with the club’s chairman Jeff Shi to hold talks over the current vacancy at the Molineux Stadium. 

However, he has now decided to reject the chance to take over as their manager. 

As per the BBC Sport, Lopetegui’s father is currently unwell and that has played a role in his decision. 

Blow for Wolves 

The Midlands side must be disappointed that they couldn’t appoint the Spaniard as their manager. They have twice come close only to fail in their attempts in the end. 

The club’s owner Fosun wanted to sign Lopetegui in 2016 following the takeover by the Chinese company. 

He was reportedly keen on the job but ended up joining the Spain national team as their head coach. 

However, he was unceremoniously sacked from his position just days before the 2018 World Cup after it was revealed that he had agreed to join Real Madrid.  

The move to Madrid also didn’t work out for him as he was dismissed after only 14 games. But he soon returned to management at Sevilla and proved his coaching abilities there. 

The La Liga side had been missing Champions League football for two consecutive years when the Spanish boss first took over in 2019. 

However, he led them to a top-four finish for the following three years of his reign at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. 

The Rojiblancos also lifted the 2020 Europa League under Lopetegui, beating Inter Milan 3-2 in the final.