Julen Lopetegui Archives

Ex-West Ham boss Lopetegui Named Qatar Manager

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Julen Lopetegui has been appointed head coach of the Qatar national team, almost four months after being sacked by West Ham. The 58-year-old Spaniard’s deal runs until 2027 and takes in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Qatar, who participated at the last World Cup as hosts, failed to secure a spot for next year’s finals in the initial qualification stage but can still progress with further rounds being played. Lopetegui has previously worked in international football as Spain manager. He took over in 2016 but was sacked two days before the 2018 World Cup after being appointed Real Madrid manager. His tenure in Madrid ended after four and a half months, after which he took charge of Sevilla and won the Europa League. He moved to Wolves in November 2022 but left the following summer. He was named West Ham manager at the start of the current season but was sacked and replaced by Graham Potter after six months, having recorded only six league wins.

West Ham sack Lopetegui, five staff members

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

West Ham United have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui after seven months in charge, with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter listed as the leading candidate to take over. The Spaniard had been preparing for the team for their FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on January 10. But the board have decided to act, bringing an end to the 58-year-old’s tenure. Lopetegui was relieved of his duties by David Sullivan after holding crunch talks with the West Ham owner in a meeting on Monday. It comes after the Hammers were left languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table following their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City. A club statement reads: “West Ham United can confirm that head coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the club. “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives. “The club can confirm that assistant head coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect. “The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future. “The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”