Julen Lopetegui, the seasoned tactician, has pledged to bring a new era of excitement and success to West Ham United, following his appointment as the club’s new manager.
With a wealth of experience at the highest level, including a stint at Real Madrid, Lopetegui is determined to make a lasting impact at the London Stadium.
After a brief hiatus, Julen Lopetegui is back in the managerial hot seat, taking the reins at West Ham United. The 57-year-old Spanish tactician had been absent from the dugout since departing Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.
West Ham United have secured Julen Lopetegui’s services for the foreseeable future, with the Spanish manager signing a two-year contract that includes an option for a third year. This move demonstrates the club’s confidence in his leadership.
Julen Lopetegui will formally assume his role as West Ham United manager on July 1, succeeding David Moyes, who departs at the end of the current campaign. This marks a new chapter for the Hammers.
“We came here with the idea and the thought to make a big, big noise,” Lopetegui said. “That’s why we came here, and we are excited by this challenge.
“Of course, we are going to do our best to help the club and the team to achieve the best level and to achieve our aims.
“I assure the fans that they are going to be key in all our achievements.”
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said Lopetegui’s appointment would “ensure a strong opportunity to build on the positive progress made in recent seasons”.
Julen Lopetegui redeemed himself in spectacular fashion, guiding Sevilla to Europa League triumph in 2020. This achievement revitalized his reputation, which had taken a hit following his dismissal from Real Madrid two years prior.
He had been dismissed by Spain just before the start of the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would quit to take charge of Real following the tournament.
However, the former goalkeeper’s brief spell at the Bernabeu was a dismal failure as he lasted just 14 matches before being axed after a humiliating 5-1 loss against Barcelona.
He moved to Wolves in November 2022 when the Molineux outfit were bottom of the Premier League.
Julen Lopetegui’s successful mission to steer Wolves clear of relegation, resulting in a 13th-place finish, was followed by discontent with the club’s financial limitations. This led to his departure by mutual consent in August 2023.
Read also: I Can’t Explain Defeat To 10-man West Ham — Pochettino
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten said: “He was a stand-out candidate to become our head coach and I am personally delighted that we have chosen to work together.”
David Moyes masterminded West Ham’s most significant achievement in 43 years, as they claimed the Europa Conference League crown in 2023. This success cemented his legacy at the club.
The Hammers’ impressive European exploits in 2023 were not mirrored in the Premier League, where they finished a disappointing ninth, missing the cut for European qualification.
Julen Lopetegui is determined to leave his own imprint on West Ham United, seeking to surpass the achievements of his predecessor David Moyes and forge a new path to success in east London.
“We will try to put our stamp on the club. I feel that we have a fantastic platform,” he said.
According to the coach, the past few years have provided a solid foundation, but their aspiration is to continually improve and strive for greater accomplishments. They expressed a strong desire to push boundaries and pursue even more lofty goals, stressed their unflinching ambition.