Wolves players fear Julen Lopetegui will not be in charge of Man United’s Premier League season opener, as the club has been frustrated by his outbursts over the lack of new signings…
- Wolves kick off their season against Man United at Old Trafford on Monday
- But the players are in the dark about whether Julen Lopetegui will take the lead
- Lopetegui has expressed his frustration at the lack of activity in the transfer market
Wolves players are unsure whether Julen Lopetegui will be in the dugout for their Premier League opener at Manchester United amid rising tensions between manager and club.
As things stood on Tuesday morning, Lopetegui was due to train late Tuesday afternoon at the club’s Compton base, following a short break for the side.
But the Spaniard, who brought Wolves to safety last season despite taking over when they were bottom of the table in November, has questioned his long-term future by venting his frustration at Wolves’ lack of activity on the transfer market, both at the end of the last semester and during the pre-season.
Former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is one of the contenders to replace Lopetegui as his time at Molineux comes to an end.
O’Neil left Bournemouth in June, even though he led the promoted club to comfortable safety last season after replacing Scott Parker early in the season.
Wolves players fear coach Julen Lopetegui will not be in charge for their season opener
Former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is a contender to replace Lopetegui at Molineux and club president Jeff Shi (left) has explained why the club must comply with Financial Fair Play rules
O’Neil was replaced by Spanish coach Andoni Iraola, but his stock remained high at a number of Premier League clubs.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi wrote an open letter on the club’s website last week, explaining that the club must meet Financial Fair Play requirements.
Shi wrote: ‘As the owners and management of the club, one important thing we need to learn and follow is the Premier League’s rules on profit and sustainability (previously called Financial Fair Play or FFP for short).
“There will be an annual test before the end of the 2023/24 season and we will make sure we pass it, as we have done for the past five seasons.”
To achieve that goal, Wolves have recouped £91 million in player sales this summer, including the £47 million departure of captain Ruben Neves to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
They only added defender Matt Doherty and Tom King on free transfers, which led to Lopetegui’s anger.
Wolves counter that they heavily backed Lopetegui last January by approving deals of up to £77m after also paying more than £120m in fees 12 months ago.
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