Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly contemplating a move for Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui, following the recent sacking of Bruno Lage at Molineux.
What’s the word?
According to journalist John Percy, in his piece for the Telegraph, the Spaniard has been a ‘previous target’ for the Midlands side over the years, with there a potential for the 56-year-old to be in ‘contention’ again this time around.
The report suggests that the Old Gold are looking to secure a replacement for the aforementioned Lage – who lost his job following the recent defeat to West Ham United – prior to Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea.
Lopetegui had been linked with a prior move to England last summer, having reportedly rejected an approach from Tottenham Hotspur to replace Jose Mourinho in the hot seat.
Disaster
A departure had seemingly become inevitable for Lage following what was a disappointing start to the new campaign, having slipped into the relegation zone after picking up just one win from their opening eight league games, scoring just three league goals in that time – the worst record in the division.
As Percy’s report also alluded to, the former Benfica boss’ exit had also come as a result of the poor end to the 2021/22 season, as the club failed to win any of their last seven league games to secure an underwhelming mid-table finish.
Turning to Lopetegui as the solution to the club’s current problems may not be the ideal choice, however, with the one-time Real Madrid man currently under fire himself following a miserable start to the season in Seville.
The La Liga side are just a point from safety at present after picking up only five points from their opening seven league games, ensuring the Spanish tactician has won 14% of his matches in the league this term. Meanwhile, they are currently bottom of their Champions League group having notably been held by FC Copenhagen last time out.
Such a slump has seen the former Spain head coach tipped for the sack at present, with journalist Colin Millar stating that the club’s supporters are now in “open mutiny” against the manager – as well as the board – after one win from their opening nine games in all competitions.
While any exit in the coming days would ensure that he is available to make the move to England, Wolves supporters likely won’t be enthused about the prospect of bringing in such a struggling manager, with such a move potentially a recipe for disaster as far as the Old Gold are concerned.