Former Wolves manager spotted visiting Stamford Bridge amid ‘interest’ in returning to the Premier League
Julen Lopetegui made an appearance at Chelsea on Sunday, and the former Wolves manager is pressing for a return to the Premier League.
Julen Lopetegui, the former head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, was in attendance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Birmingham World can exclusively reveal.
The Spaniard, who has recently been believed to be pushing for a quick return to Premier League management, was seen entering and exiting a hospitality room.
Lopetegui stood by as Chelsea lost for the third time this season in the English Premier League, while Wolves’ opponents, Villa, battled against 10 men to achieve their fourth victory.
Mauricio Pochettino is already under pressure in the capital following the disastrous start to the campaign but it’s very unlikely he will be sacked at this stage.
It’s also not expected to be an opportunity that will open up for Lopetegui, although the 57-year-old appears to be making an effort to stay as connected to the Premier League as he can.
Where could Lopetegui end up?
The clubs currently most likely to part ways with their manager are, according to Sky Bet, Sheffield United, Everton and AFC Bournemouth after disappointing results.
Wolves are also on the list but the relationship fallout between Lopetegui and the ownership makes that rather impossible – and it’s probably too early to let Gary O’Neil go.
Sheffield United could be an interesting proposition as it’s definitely below the usual reputation Lopetegui would go for but Paul Heckingbottom is on the verge of the sack.
The Blades were thrashed 8-0 by Newcastle United on Sunday, and Heckingbottom is now the 1/4 favorite to be the next Premier League manager to resign.
Roles at Everton and Bournemouth are clearly a long way off, however that might alter quickly if the club’s bad form persists.
