According to Italian media sources, a former Wolves manager’s next employment may have been revealed.
A former Wolves manager is expected to reject a return to the Premier League in favour of a European powerhouse.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Julen Lopetegui has informed West Ham that he will be managing AC Milan rather than them this summer. Lopetegui has been out of job since leaving Molineux in August, but after a season away, he is expected to get a huge role.
The Spainiard’s possible appointment has elicited a mixed response. Several AC Milan supporters are criticizing the club’s decision to hire a former Wolves manager. A hashtag ‘Nopetegui’ was trending, and a petition was set up to oppose his probable arrival.
Lopetegui was regarded to be a strong candidate for the position at the London Stadium. After leaving Molineux, he was connected with a number of roles in France and Marseille, with a return to the Premier League being his desired destination.
He now appears to be preparing to manage in Italy for the first time in his career. Last Monday, Milan lost to city rivals Inter, who went on to win the Serie A title. Stefano Pioli is now in charge, however he is scheduled to resign at the end of the current season.
If Lopetegui accepts the position, he will bring a wealth of management expertise to the San Siro. The 57-year-old has been coaching since 2003, serving as an assistant to Spain’s under-17 team and as manager of Rayo Vallecano.
He was in charge of Spain’s under-19s and under-21s teams from 2010 to 2014 before taking the Porto post. Lopetegui managed the Spanish national team from 2016 to 2018, but was stripped of his duties on the eve of the World Cup when it was revealed that he would become manager of Real Madrid. He didn’t survive long at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, being fired after only 14 games.
Lopetegui waited over a year before taking over Sevilla, and they won the Europa League under his leadership. He was fired in October 2022, and barely a month later, he took over as Wolves’ head coach. The former goalkeeper managed them for 27 games, winning 10 and drawing six, losing 11 and finishing 13th in his lone season.
