What Wolves hierarchy told West Ham about Julen Lopetegui could shock fans

Whether it’s the stadium, the club’s owners or – as has been the case for the last two years – David Moyes.

Hammers supporters are so passionate about their club that disagreements over certain things are inevitable.

So it should come as no surprise to anyone that fans seem somewhat divided over the imminent arrival of Julen Lopetegui as the 18th permanent manager in the club’s 129-year history.

Few football clubs can boast a record as respectable as that in a hire-and-fire culture.

It has been confirmed that Moyes will leave after the game at Man City next weekend.

It ends a four-and-a-half year period of stability and relative tranquility for West Ham ownership.

Wolves walkout puts question mark over Lopetegui

Lopetegui’s appointment is not universally welcomed by Hammers fans.

And that puts David Sullivan and his colleagues out in the open to get shot once again.

Other names such as Ruben Amorim and Paulo Fonseca appealed more to the majority of West Ham fans.

But Lopetegui is the man Sullivan chose to go with and the fans will of course back their new boss.

It’s fair to say that Lopetegui’s history is a checkered one.

Clearly a more than capable coach and manager, his sackings by Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla raised a few eyebrows before sadly retiring from Wolves on the eve of this season.

This was due to the club failing to keep their promises regarding transfer spending and failing to meet the 57-year-old’s ambition.

This, however, left Wolverhampton Wanderers in a hole and added another question mark – in the eyes of some – against Lopetegui’s reputation.

Wolves gave Sullivan glowing reference at Lopetegui

Therefore, what the Wolves hierarchy told West Ham about Lopetegui might shock fans.

Given how things went with Lopetegui at Molinuex, you’d think any reference from Wolves’ top brass could be damning.

Quite the contrary, according to Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

According to Ornstein, Sullivan contacted the Wolves board during due diligence on the new West Ham manager.

The feedback was surprisingly positive.

“The West Ham board have received strong referrals from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club he left by mutual consent in the summer,” says Ornstein.

“Lopetegui was appointed to Molineux in November 2022 with the club bottom of the Championship before leading them to 10 wins in his 27 matches at the helm and a 13th place finish – eight points and five places above the zone. relegation.

“The West Ham hierarchy are also impressed by the 57-year-old’s track record with the Spanish national team.”

Walkout proves new boss will push owners

One thing that seems undeniable is that Lopetegui must be an impressive person who interviews extremely well.

While some might have been wary of Lopetegui following his departure from Wolves, many West Ham fans are actually heartened by his actions.

That, coupled with the fact he reportedly rejected a £60m-a-year salary in Saudi Arabia to wait for a Premier League opportunity, suggests he is a man of principle and substance.

This also suggests that Lopetegui won’t be a “yes man” for Sullivan.

Supporters believe he will push the owners to invest in the team and build a proper team at the London Stadium.

Considering the clubs he has worked at previously, Lopetegui could even raise standards off the field, such as making improvements at Rush Green.

The proof of the pudding will of course be in the eating.

But if Lopetegui is prepared to stand up to the owners, he will already be a winner with West Ham fans.

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