Wolves finally appoint Julen Lopetegui as Bruno Lage’s replacement after he turned them down twice

Wolves FINALLY appoint Julen Lopetegui as Bruno Lage’s long-term replacement after he turned them down twice… but his first game in charge won’t be until AFTER the World Cup as he waits for a work permit

  • Wolves have confirmed the appointed of Julen Lopetegui as their new manager
  • The former Real Madrid and Sevilla boss will take charge on November 14 
  • His first game won’t come until after the World Cup due to work permit issues 
  • The Spaniard twice snubbed their advances, first in 2016 and again last month

Wolves have finally appointed Julen Lopetegui as their new manager after being snubbed by the Spaniard twice in the past.

The 56-year-old, who has been in charge of some of Europe’s elite clubs including Real Madrid, Sevilla and Porto, will take charge on November 14, while waiting for his work permit.

But Lopetegui, who led Sevilla to the Europa League in 2020, defeating Wolves in the last eight – will have to wait until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for his first game in charge as he waits for a work permit.

Wolves have appointed former Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui (pictured) as their new manager 

The Midlands outfit confirmed the news of Lopetegui's appointment earlier this morning

The Midlands outfit confirmed the news of Lopetegui’s appointment earlier this morning

His first match in charge is expected to be away to Everton on Boxing Day after the World Cup break, giving him time to assess the club’s squad. 

It is not the first time that Lopetegui has rejected Wolves, having also turned his back on Wolves in 2016, instead accepting a proposal to coach Spain. 

Wolves have now however finally got their man, who was sacked by Sevilla earlier this season after three years in charge, following a Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund. 

Chairman Jeff Shi said: ‘Julen is a top coach, with excellent experience at an elite level of the game, and we are very pleased to have agreed a deal to bring him to Wolves.

Wolves are 19th in the Premier League table and in danger of relegation after a poor season

Wolves are 19th in the Premier League table and in danger of relegation after a poor season

Bruno Lage was sacked by Wolves over a month ago and was unable to revive their fortunes

Bruno Lage was sacked by Wolves over a month ago and was unable to revive their fortunes 

‘Since the very beginning, Julen has been our number one choice to manage Wolves, and we look forward to welcoming him and his team when they join us in the coming weeks.’

Lopetegui arrives with big pedigree, having enjoyed an impressive spell at Sevilla that saw him guide them to the Europa League in 2020.

However, his tenure ended on a sour note last month when he was sacked by the LaLiga outfit following five losses in eight games.  

His appointment comes a month after the Midlands outfit decided to sack Bruno Lage following a miserable start to the new Premier League season.

He was initially offered the chance to succeed Lage after being sacked by Sevilla, but opted to turn it down at the time, largely for family reasons.

Lopetegui arrives with big pedigree having guided Sevilla to the Europa League in 2020

Lopetegui arrives with big pedigree having guided Sevilla to the Europa League in 2020

Caretaker manager Steve Davis (pictured) was expected to remain in charge until 2023

Caretaker manager Steve Davis (pictured) was expected to remain in charge until 2023

Wolves had recently announced that under-18s boss and caretaker manager Steve Davis would remain in charge until 2023, but that has now changed after landing their man.

They’ve lost three of their past five games under Davis, leaving them sitting second from bottom in the Premier League, and two points off Southampton in 17th.

Wolves will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon as they bid to start turning their fortunes around. 

They will then face Leeds United in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal at home before the World Cup begins in Qatar.