Julen Lopetegui in talks over immediate return to football with world top 10 team
Share:
Julen Lopetegui could make a swift return to management with Belgium after being sacked by West Ham earlier this month. The former Wolves and Real Madrid boss, 58, was only appointed by the Hammers back in the summer. But the Londoners struggled to live up to expectations this season after backing Lopetegui in the transfer market and he was relieved of his duties less than two weeks ago.
West Ham moved quickly to bring in Graham Potter in lieu of Lopetegui's sacking - and the Spaniard could also be back in work sooner rather than later. Lopetegui is one of many candidates being considered for the vacant Belgium job, as revealed by Sporza. And talks have already taken place between the two parties following Domenico Tedesco's exit.
Lopetegui is no stranger to international management following his spell in charge of Spain, where he was unbeaten in 20 matches with a 70 per cent win ratio before he was removed from his post just before the 2018 World Cup. His acrimonious exit was due to the fact that an agreement with Real Madrid had leaked just before the tournament, though his time in the Spanish capital was short-lived.
Thierry Henry and Rudi Garcia are also said to be on Belgium's shortlist alongside Lopetegui, who was the subject of intense speculation over his future in the days leading up to his sacking. Join the debate! Would Lopetegui be a good appointment for Belgium? Let us know here.