Wolves wanted to Raul ace out
NEW Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui has walked straight into a World Cup barney after questioning Raul Jimenez’s decision to declare himself fit for Mexico.
The striker is in Mexico’s 26-man squad for Qatar, despite having been out of Wolves action with a groin injury since facing Bournemouth on August 31.
Jimenez has indicated to his nation he will be ready for Qatar.
And it has left an unimpressed Lopetegui sweating as he begins to plot a survival mission for the rock-bottom club, who have scored just eight times in their opening 15 league matches.
Speaking at his Molineux unveiling, where he confirmed he has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, the Spaniard said of Jimenez: “He is not fit at this moment.
“He has been injured and he hasn’t played any minutes for two to three very important months.
“I understand, of course, that players want to go to the World Cup. I understand the country puts pressure on them to go.
“He has decided to go and Mexico have decided to call him.
“We respect this but I want him to be fit for us when he comes back. I am worried about that because he is an important player for us.
“He told me he feels better but I don’t know if it’s enough.
“I wish him the best with Mexico because he is our player, but I have to defend our interests and my interest is Wolves.”
Wolves have claimed just one point from their last five league matches.
They head into the World Cup break four points adrift of 17th-placed Everton – their Boxing Day opponents for Lopetegui’s first league game in charge.
The ex-Sevilla boss revealed he has already watched all of Wolves’ matches back.
He added: “I’m not thinking about relegation. I am thinking about winning the next match. This is the first thought, to be positive and all together.”
The club’s owners will hand Lopetegui funds to strengthen in the January window.
He added: “Of course they are worried and they want to invest money.”