Julen Lopetegui shared a poignant moment from his departure at Wolves just before the Premier League season kicked off. The former Real Madrid manager left Wolves after a brief nine-month stint, along with his entire coaching staff. When Lopetegui took charge, Wolves were struggling at the bottom of the table. However, under his guidance, the team made a remarkable turnaround, finishing 13th with 41 points from 38 games, which included notable victories against Liverpool and Tottenham.
Lopetegui developed a strong emotional bond with the players and staff during his short tenure. He recalled an emotional farewell, where tears were shed by everyone involved, just days before Wolves began their 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
Reflecting on this experience, Lopetegui expressed his sentiments to The Athletic, saying, “It was not easy for me. It was a pity. I remember a lot of workers, and us too, we were crying. The environment and the commitment that we created at Wolves in such a short time were extraordinary. I hold this memory close to my heart. It was truly special.”
In a broader context, Lopetegui had aimed to lead Wolves to a top-half finish for the entire season. However, due to financial constraints, the club couldn’t support his ambitions. Lopetegui revealed, “But due to various reasons, the club couldn’t sustain such a project. When we began the pre-season, they informed me that realizing this vision was impossible. And so, we mutually decided to part ways.”