Spaniard Julen Lopetegui has left Wolverhampton Wanderers after less than a year in charge following differences of opinion, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday, three days before the start of the new season.
Neither side provided detailed reasons for the Spaniard’s departure, but British media reported that the 56-year-old former Real Madrid and Sevilla coach was unhappy with the team’s lack of investment.
The club has lost key players such as former captain Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabian Professional League club Al-Hilal, Nathan Collins to Brentford, Conor Coady to Leicester City, Raul Jimenez to Fulham and Ryan Giles to Luton Town.
Lopetegui was appointed head coach on a three-year contract in November as the West Midlands club were on the brink of relegation, and he made changes to lift them to 13th, securing their place in England’s top flight.
Lopetegui replaces caretaker coach Steve Davis, who took charge of the team after Bruno Lage was sacked in October.
“While our ambition is to move into the new season together, it is common knowledge that opinions have differed on several key topics and it has been agreed by all parties that it would be best to part ways before the new season,” Wolves said in a statement.
Lopetegui, who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid during his playing career and began coaching Spain’s youth teams before moving to Spanish second division side Rayo Vallecano and Portuguese side Porto.
His most successful spell in club management was at Sevilla, where he spent three years in charge, leading the LaLiga side to the Europa League title in 2020.
“I wish Wolves and everyone at the club all the best for the future, and thank them for the opportunity presented at that time to lead this incredible club,” Lopetegui said in a statement.
Gary O’Neil, who helped Bournemouth save them from relegation, taking Bournemouth to 15th in the league after replacing Scott Parker, will replace Lopetegui at Molineux.
The Premier League season kicks off on Friday and Wolves travel to Manchester United for their opening game on Tuesday.
