Wolves and Head Coach Julen Lopetegui part ways
Julen Lopetegui and his former charges in the Aviva Stadium Credit: Brian F Smyth (ETPhotos)
Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced the departure of their head coach, Julen Lopetegui, after nine months at the helm, concluding his brief stint with the Premier League club.
Having joined Wolves in November, Lopetegui's tenure was marked by successfully keeping the club in the Premier League.
However, acknowledged differences of opinion led to an amicable agreement between the club and Lopetegui to end his contract.
Recent discussions surrounding this decision were held with "the utmost respect and cordiality," according to club sources.
Inheriting a team at the bottom of the Premier League standings, Lopetegui made a noticeable impact by leading Wolves to nine league wins, including victories against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux.
These achievements played a pivotal role in the club's sixth consecutive top-flight campaign.
Lopetegui isn't the only departure. His entire backroom staff, including Pablo Sanz, Juan Peinado, Oscar Caro, Edu Rubio, Borja De Alba Alonso, and Daniel Lopetegui, are also set to leave.
Matt Hobbs, the Sporting director, expressed gratitude towards the Spanish coach and his team, stating, “On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to thank Julen and his staff for their dedication and hard work.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced, adding, "While our ambition had been to move into the new season together... it was agreed by all parties that it would be best to part ways ahead of the new campaign."
In response, Lopetegui expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I wish Wolves and everybody at the club the very best of luck for the future.”
He took a moment to appreciate those he worked closely with, including Matt Hobbs, Matt Wild, Lisa Hollis, the entire club staff, players, and especially the fans, adding, “they have always been amazing to me, my staff and my family.”
The managerial seat at Wolves has seen its fair share of occupants over the past few decades, with frequent changes characterizing the club's recent history.
Colin Lee took up the mantle from 1998 to 2000, achieving a win rate of 39.6%. He was succeeded by Dave Jones, who served from 2001 to 2004. Jones not only secured a commendable 40.1% win rate but also brought home the 2003 First Division play-off title.
Glenn Hoddle stepped in between 2004 and 2006. Then, from 2006 to 2012, it was Mick McCarthy's turn at the helm. McCarthy's leadership saw the club earn a win rate of 38.5%, highlighted by their victory in the 2008-09 Championship.
2012 and 2013 were somewhat turbulent years for the club. Terry Connor, Ståle Solbakken, and Dean Saunders all had short-lived stints as managers during this period.
Kenny Jackett's tenure, spanning from 2013 to 2016, brought some stability. He managed a robust 46.0% win rate and celebrated the 2013-14 League One title. Following Jackett, Walter Zenga and Paul Lambert took charge in quick succession in 2016 and 2017, posting win rates of 35.3% and 42.4%, respectively.
From 2017 to 2021, Nuno Espírito Santo led the pack. Under his guidance, Wolves thrived, achieving a 47.7% win rate and clinching the 2017-18 Championship. Bruno Lage followed Santo, holding the position from 2021 to 2022 and recording a 37.2% win rate.
Most recently, Julen Lopetegui's brief tenure from 2022 to 2023 saw a win rate of 37.0%. With his departure, the club is now directing its energies towards the forthcoming Premier League season and the hunt for a new manager to guide the team with only days left to kick-off.
