Perhaps a lesser known fact in the world of football is that Wolverhampton Wanderers played a very significant role in the establishment of the UEFA Cup; later rebranded to Europa
League, and were the runners-up in the inaugural UEFA Cup Final in 1972. More than 45 years later and Champions League football at stake, Wolves have fought their way to a one-legged quarter final against the most successful club in the competition; Sevilla.
This would be an already tantalizing clash. However, the English side might have a time-honored grudge to settle when they face a Sevilla side headed by a manager who snubbed them for Spanish national side at the last minute, Julen Lopetegui.
When Fosun International purchased Wolves in 2016, it was widely reported that Lopetegui was expected to join after the takeover was complete. This impending appointment was
further made common knowledge when it was believed that Lopetegui had played an important role in facilitating the lining-up of players to be bought. He had also verbally agreed to be head coach despite not signing a contract.
With the World Cup around the corner, Spain’s national team was looking for a replacement after manager Vicente del Bosque had retired and Lopetegui was on the shortlist. He was eventually appointed after winning European titles with the Under-19 team in 2012 and
Under-21 team in 2013. He also had a two-year spell at FC Porto. His charge then saw Spain qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, only for him to be dismissed on the eve of the competition for agreeing to be Real Madrid’s manager. This lasted 14 games before his spell at the La Liga giants swiftly came to an end.
“It’s true that (Wolves and I) had been working hand in hand for some time. It was very similar but in the in the long run it wasn’t to be,” Lopetegui admitted later.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have had their own managerial adventure since the takeover.
Their then current manager Kenny Jackett oversees two games before being sacked on a Friday night. Walter Zenga takes over the job but is sacked after three months into his tenure. Rob Edwards takes charge for a month before Paul Lambert is hired as his replacement. He too, doesn’t last more than six months before he is let go.
After firing several managers, recruiting 15 new players in one season and a 15 th spot finish in the Championship, Wolves learned some valuable lessons and hire Nuno Espirito. As fate would have it, Nuno succeeded Lopetegui when he left FC Porto, at around the same time the latter was turning down the Wolves job.
Both clubs and managers have gone on different journeys in the past years. The Spaniards, who have won the Europa League three times in the last six years, will be looking to use experience in their quest for a record fourth title. Wolves, the tournament debutants, are rarely outplayed and seem to have reserve energy to tap into when need arises. With this
being their first ever meeting in the competition, will this be the chance for Wolves to finally
settle their silent grudge?
Ashnaam
Ashnaam Mohamed Rashid
Ashnaam is the founder and chief editor of the Sportysh.com. He reviews, edits and approves all the articles before they go live to the audience. To share your views and opinions kindly contact Ashnaam on ashnaam@sportysh.com