There is speculation that Julen Lopetegui may replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace amid increasing pressure on the 76-year-old manager. The Athletic has reported on the potential move, shedding light on the situation.
As attention initially focused on Steve Cooper as a potential replacement for Hodgson, a new contender, Lopetegui, has emerged. The Spanish manager, who departed Wolves just days before the 2023/24 season began due to disagreements with the board, is reportedly eager to make a return to the Premier League. Lopetegui has been observed attending several games at Selhurst Park this season.
Lopetegui, with a managerial career boasting 232 victories, has an impressive CV, having coached teams like Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, and Sevilla before arriving in England in November 2022. The Athletic suggests that Nottingham Forest might also consider Lopetegui if Cooper faces dismissal at the City Ground.
However, some see hiring the 57-year-old as a risk for Steve Parish, the Crystal Palace chairman. While Lopetegui is acknowledged as a skilled coach, his departure from Wolves, as reported by Sky Sports, was attributed to a desire to protect his own reputation amidst financial challenges at the club. Given Crystal Palace’s ownership complexities and past experiences of managers leaving, such as Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce, Lopetegui might perceive similarities between the situations at the Eagles and Wolves.
The situation remains fluid, and developments are worth monitoring as Crystal Palace contemplates potential managerial changes.
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