JULEN LOPETEGUI has revealed he is holding out for a managerial job in England.
Lopetegui left Wolves in August due to a lack of backing in the transfer market despite an impressive record last season that kept the team in the top flight.
Since then the 57-year-old has continued to live in Wolverhampton, where he insisted he was “very, very happy” while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro Leagues podcast.
This is because he wants to continue his career in the Premier League.
He confessed the desire in an interview with Sky Sports, in which he called English football culture “special” and also admitted he had already turned down jobs from overseas.
He said: “It’s why I’ve said no to different countries and different situations because I would like to stay here in England. I feel like our team here is just starting and we want to achieve our dreams.
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“The way the country lives football here is special – it’s the best league in the world, the most competitive league in the world, the best environment for the players, coaches and fans too.
“I have fought for titles, I have fought for different aims but of course for the most important thing to feel like you have a project you can put your stamp on it, where you can work and improve the performance of the whole club.
“If you ask me, I’d like this kind of challenge and to be able to achieve each aim the club has.
“I have to be ready. When you accept a challenge, it’s not just about the players and the way you want to play…
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“I think you have to understand where you are, what’s the culture of the club and the history too.”
Reports last week claimed Lopetegui was “well placed” to replace Erik ten Hag as the boss of Manchester United.
However, despite the Dutchman remaining in his post for the time being, Lopetegui is remaining patient.
And it means he would have likely been gutted to see Nuno Espirito Santo appointed as boss of Nottingham Forest following the sacking of fan-favourite Steve Cooper.
Lopetegui has previously managed the Spanish national team, Real Madrid and Sevilla, winning the Europa League with the latter.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
