While West Ham United are known as one of the Premier League teams, their manager lives and breathes their history and legacy every single day through Lopetegui’s presence as their head coach, his history spans back even further than that.
Who is West Ham’s manager Julen Lopetegui?
Julen Lopetegui was appointed director of West Ham United on july 1, at age 57. A Spanish international, Lopetegui played as goalkeeper in El Clasico rivalries Real Madrid and Barcelona before finishing up with Rayo Vallecano nearing his career’s conclusion.
As a manager, Julen Lopetegui has had some incredible teams under his command as a coach. Notably, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Additionally he served Sevilla, Porto and was head coach of the Spanish National team.
Julen Lopetegui has held positions at every level in football management – youth assistant and first team coach respectively. His longest managerial stint was with Sevilla between 2019-2023 when he took charge of managing their Spanish side for three years between 2019-2023.
West Ham United was brought to prominence due to Julen’s impressive Premier League experience as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager from 2022-2023.
Years and Teams Manged by West Ham Manager (Julen Lopetegui)
| Year | Role | Club/Team | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-2004 | Assistant Manager | Rayo Vallecano | Spain |
| 2008-2009 | Manager | Rayo Vallecano | Spain |
| 2010-2013 | Manager | Real Madrid B (Castilla) | Spain |
| 2010-2014 | Manager | Spain U19 | Spain |
| 2012-2014 | Manager | Spain U20 | Spain |
| 2014-2016 | Manager | Spain U21 | Spain |
| 2014-2016 | Manager | Real Madrid U21 | Spain |
| 2016-2018 | Manager | FC Porto | Portugal |
| 2018-2019 | Manager | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 2019-2023 | Manager | Sevilla FC | Spain |
| 2022-2023 | Manager | Wolverhampton Wanderers | England |
| 2024-Present | Manager | West Ham United | England |
Julen Lopetegui’s managerial style can be defined by his emphasis on defense (Premier League). Based on his previous experience as a goalkeeper, this should come as no surprise.
Contrary to popular belief, Lopetegui does not employ a “low block”. However, he puts strong emphasis on moving players between backline and midfield lines and breaking lines of midfield – as part of his player-oriented management style he prefers “playing at a safe level”. Although West Ham fans may take some time getting used to this style of football played under Lopetegui it should soon become apparent he is among the world’s finest build-up play experts in possession-based build-up play build-up plays.
Lopetegui has won one UEFA Europa League during his time as head coach of West Ham United, although their next European appearance won’t occur until 2024/25 season. But using his past experience to aim towards that end goal and ensure West Ham are back playing on European turf by 2025.