Wolves finally win their hunt to land Lopetegui at the third attempt
Wolves have announced Julen Lopetegui as the club’s new head coach.
The former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss will take charge on November 14, subject to being granted work permits.
Steve Davis remains in interim charge for Saturday’s match against Brighton.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “Julen is a top coach, with excellent experience at an elite level of the game.
“Since the very beginning, Julen has been our No. 1 choice, and we look forward to welcoming him and his team when they join us in the coming weeks.”
If all the necessary paperwork is completed, Lopetegui will take over at Molineux following the game against Arsenal, which is the last ahead of the World Cup break.
Lopetegui was close to moving to Molineux in 2016 before he became Spain manager, a job from which he was sacked on the eve of the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would be taking over at Real Madrid after the tournament.
Wolves again turned to Lopetegui as they sought a replacement for Bruno Lage, who was sacked at the start of last month
However, the 56-year-old Spaniard had initially turned down a move to Molineux due to his father being ill.
After seeing QPR’s Michael Beale opt to stay at Loftus Road, Wolves renewed talks and have struck a deal with Lopetegui, who left Sevilla at the start of October.
Wolves remain in the bottom three after winning only one game since Lage left.
▪ New Aston Villa boss Unai Emery believes he can buck the trend at the club and turn them into contenders.
The former Villarreal manager takes charge for the first time when Villa host Manchester United today.
He has already targeted ending Villa’s 26-year trophy drought after returning to the Premier League, three years after leaving Arsenal.
Emery said: “With a proud history, we have to try to do something important here.
“Each team is different. But here at Villa, I think there is something special because the history is amazing and the supporters are amazing.”
Villa have not beaten United at home in the Premier League since 1995.
United boss Erik ten Hag feels his players will make the most of their hectic schedule ahead of the World Cup break.
He said:“We have a lot of games, that is clear, but also it is an opportunity for this squad to develop.”
Bruno Fernandes will miss today as he serves a suspension for a fifth yellow card picked up against West Ham last week.
▪ Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is targeting next season to realise his “dream” of playing in the Champions League.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League but face a tough trip to Chelsea.
Nketiahsaid: “That would be a dream come true for me, especially if I could do it at my boyhood club.
“Obviously what happened at the end of last season when we missed out on the top four hurt a lot, but we’ve got to use that in our favour this year, to kick on from how we finished and that will make us stronger.”
▪ Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker believes he could be in the best form of his career.
With Jurgen Klopp’s side struggling for consistency, the Brazil international has been the one reassuring presence.
Last month he kept four clean sheets in nine appearances, with a penalty save from Jarrod Bowen crucial in the 1-0 win over West Ham.
Alisson said: “It’s really good when people see how good you are doing on the pitch, as well as to feel I am doing something good to help the team to try to achieve target.
“You know how you perform. I am the biggest critic of myself, so when I do something good, I know it and I don’t praise myself too much. But when I do something wrong, I don’t go the opposite way either.”
Liverpool head to Tottenham for a mustwin game if they are not to fall even further adrift of the top four.
▪ Bruno Guimaraes will return to the scene of his spectacular first start for Newcastle United, with head coach Eddie Howe tipping him to make a big impact with Brazil at the World Cup.
Guimaraes, a £35-million January signing from Lyon, has made a huge impact since his arrival at St James’ Park, where he was watched by national-team boss Tite in last weekend’s 4-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old is yet to establish himself in Tite’s team, but is making a compelling case for himself in English football.
Asked if he could do well in Qatar, Howe said: “Well, I think it’s the perfect stage for him. I think he can.
“I’m not in charge of team selection, and everything like that. I just hope he gets the chance to show the world how good he is.”
▪ David Moyes believes Wilfried Zaha “could play for a number of top teams” ahead of West Ham’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Zaha was briefly a part of Moyes’ Manchester United squad in the 2013-14 season, but that only lasted half a campaign before he was sent out on loan to Cardiff.
He has been prolific for Palace and has scored five times this season.
“Wilf looks as though he has matured greatly, and he could play for a number of top teams, if he chose to do so,” said the Hammers boss.
“Sometimes, you feel like you’re at home and you are enjoying your surroundings. He is a big player for them.”
Palace have not won away from Selhurst Park in the Premier League since April, and travel to the London Stadium where West Ham have won their last four matches.