Former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui set for potential comeback with a world top 10 team
Julen Lopetegui could make a rapid return to the managerial spotlight with the Belgium national team, just weeks after his dismissal from West Ham United. The 58-year-old Spaniard, known for his previous stints at Wolves and Real Madrid, was appointed as West Ham manager during the summer but endured a turbulent spell with the Hammers. Despite being backed heavily in the transfer market, Lopetegui struggled to deliver the desired results, leading to his sacking less than two weeks ago.
West Ham acted swiftly to replace Lopetegui with Graham Potter, but the Spaniard’s managerial career may also resume quicker than anticipated. Reports from Sporza suggest Lopetegui is among several names being considered for the vacant Belgium national team job, following the departure of Domenico Tedesco. Early discussions are said to have already taken place between Lopetegui and the Belgian football authorities.
A return to international football would not be unfamiliar territory for Lopetegui. He previously managed the Spanish national team, where he boasted an impressive record of 20 matches unbeaten, with a win ratio of 70 percent. However, his tenure ended on a controversial note just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Lopetegui was dismissed after news of his agreement to take over as Real Madrid manager leaked shortly before the tournament. His subsequent spell at the Santiago Bernabéu proved brief and tumultuous.
Lopetegui is reportedly not the only candidate under consideration for the Belgium job. Other prominent names on the shortlist include Thierry Henry, who has been involved with the Belgian setup as an assistant coach in the past, and experienced French manager Rudi Garcia. However, Lopetegui’s wealth of experience in both club and international football could make him an appealing choice for the Belgian FA as they aim to rebuild following Tedesco’s departure.
Despite the disappointment of his premature exit from West Ham, Lopetegui maintained a sense of dignity and professionalism. Shortly after his sacking, he released a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude to the club, the players, and the fans. In his message, he said:
“Thank you to West Ham for the opportunity to manage this great club over the past six months. We are leaving with a sense of sadness, feeling it was too soon and that we were in a position to still achieve our goals, especially after overcoming challenging situations and with a promising entire second half of the Premier League ahead.
“Thank you to the players for their commitment and hard work, and to all the staff at the training ground, who are truly high class. You made us feel at home, operating at an extraordinary level, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
While Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham may not have gone as planned, his pedigree remains undeniable. If he is appointed as Belgium’s new head coach, it would mark another chapter in a career filled with notable highs and a fair share of challenges. As Belgium seeks a manager capable of reinvigorating their squad and leading them into a new era, Lopetegui’s experience and tactical acumen may well prove to be the perfect fit.
