Wolves want newly appointed manager Julen Lopetegui at Molineux for next Saturday’s clash against Arsenal… but the Spaniard is NOT ready to take formal control of the struggling Premier League until the World Cup break .
- Wolves appointed former Sevilla and Spain coach Julen Lopetegui on Saturday
- The 56-year-old Spanish coach will officially take control of the club on November 12
- El Lobo wants Lopetegui on the Molineux bench next Saturday against Arsenal
- The Premier League fighters feel their presence will bring a boost next weekend.
Wolves hope to have new manager Julen Lopetegui at Molineux for next Saturday’s clash with Arsenal after the former Spain coach’s appointment was announced.
Lopetegui was not due to fly to England until next Sunday before taking formal control on November 14, but sports mail he understands Wolves are now looking at whether he can attend his last game before the World Cup break.
Although the 56-year-old would only have a brief observation with caretaker manager Steve Davis in charge, Wolves believe his presence would provide a boost before the Premier League shuts down until Boxing Day.
Wolves hope to have new manager Julen Lopetegui at Molineux against Arsenal next weekend
It is the third lucky time for Wolves, who tried to sign Lopetegui after firing Bruno Lage on October 2, only for Lopetegui to reject the move due to his father’s poor health. He had also been offered the job in 2016 but Lopetegui took over from Spain.
Lopetegui was sacked by Sevilla on October 5 and is now set to return, although his first league game in charge isn’t until Boxing Day, when Wolves are at Everton.
Both the club and Lopetegui felt it was more important to give him time to recharge and work with the team during the break, rather than installing him this week.
The former Sevilla coach will take formal control of the club during the World Cup break
Bruno Lage was sacked by the club last month after Wolves’ poor start to the league campaign.
After being turned down by both Lopetegui and Queens Park Rangers boss Michael Beale, Wolves chairman Jeff Shi planned to leave Davis in his place for the rest of 2023.
But the 4-0 loss at home to Leicester last month convinced Shi to reopen talks with Lopetegui, his original target.
Funds are likely to be available to upgrade the squad during January, with a centre-forward a priority.
