West Ham United will begin the 2024/25 Premier League season with a new head coach. After a lot of speculation, Julen Lopetegui was unveiled as the new head coach of the London-based football club. David Moyes' departure is met with remorse, understandably, but exciting times await the Hammers. So, who is Julen Lopetegui?
Who is Julen Lopetegui?
Julen Lopetegui is the new head coach of West Ham United. Ageing at 57 years old upon his employment start date, Lopetegui is a Spanish international, who played as a goalkeeper throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. As a player, he represented El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona but his most memorable tenure was with Rayo Vallecano at the end of this career.
Julen Lopetegui manager history
As a manager, Julen Lopetegui has managed some incredible teams. Most notably, Lopetegui managed the Madrid duo who he represented as a player, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. He also represented Sevilla and Porto as their head coaches, as well as the Spanish national team.
Julen Lopetegui has managed at every level, including youth, assistant and first-team head coach. His longest tenure as a first-team manager was with Sevilla, where he managed the Spanish side for three years between the years 2019-2023.
The factor which appeals to West Ham United and acted as Julen Lopetegui's biggest pull factor is that the Spanish boss boasts recent Premier League experience. He led Wolverhampton Wanderers for one season between the years 2022-2023.
Years Managed | Team |
|---|---|
2003 | Spain (assistant) |
2003 | Rayo Vallecano |
2008-2009 | Real Madrid B |
2010-2013 | Spain U19 |
2010-2014 | Spain U20 |
2012-2014 | Spain U21 |
2014-2016 | Porto |
2016-2018 | Spain |
2018 | Real Madrid |
2019-2022 | Sevilla |
2022-2023 | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
2023 | West Ham United |
Julen Lopetegui manager profile
The main factor which symbolises Julen Lopetegui's is his emphasis on the defence (Premier League). Given his experience of controlling the defence during his goalkeeping days, this should come as no surprise.
Contrary to stereotype, Lopetegui does not operate a "low block", but he does place a particular emphasis on passing around the back-line and breaking the lines in midfield. He is a possession-based manager who tends to "play it safe". While this could take a time for West Ham fans to get used to, Lopetegui is one of the best in the world at possession-based build-up play.
Lopetegui has won one UEFA Europa League during his time as a head coach. West Ham United will not play in European football in the 2024/25 season but given his experience in European competitions, the Spanish boss will make this a priority objective, to ensure West Ham are back in Europe in 2025.
What do you think about West Ham United appointing Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach?