Julen Lopetegui in talks over immediate return to football with world top 10 team

West Ham decided to part company with Julen Lopetegui earlier this month with both results and performances below par – but the Spaniard is already in the frame for a job

Julen Lopetegui could make a swift return to management with Belgium after being sacked by West Ham earlier this month.

The former Wolves and Real Madrid boss, 58, was only appointed by the Hammers back in the summer. But the Londoners struggled to live up to expectations this season after backing Lopetegui in the transfer market and he was relieved of his duties less than two weeks ago.

West Ham moved quickly to bring in Graham Potter in lieu of Lopetegui’s sacking – and the Spaniard could also be back in work sooner rather than later.

Lopetegui is one of many candidates being considered for the vacant Belgium job, as revealed by Sporza. And talks have already taken place between the two parties following Domenico Tedesco’s exit.

Lopetegui is no stranger to international management following his spell in charge of Spain, where he was unbeaten in 20 matches with a 70 per cent win ratio before he was removed from his post just before the 2018 World Cup.

His acrimonious exit was due to the fact that an agreement with Real Madrid had leaked just before the tournament, though his time in the Spanish capital was short-lived.

Thierry Henry and Rudi Garcia are also said to be on Belgium’s shortlist alongside Lopetegui, who was the subject of intense speculation over his future in the days leading up to his sacking.

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But he went on to issue a classy statement on social media thanking West Ham and their fans for all their support on social media, saying: “Thank you to West Ham for the opportunity to manage this great club over the past six months.

“We are leaving with a sense of sadness, feeling it was too soon and that we were in position to still achieve our goals, especially after overcoming challenging situations and with a promising entire second half of the Premier League ahead.

“Thank you to the players for their commitment and hard work, and to all the staff at the training ground, who are truly high class. You made us feel at home, operating at an extraordinary level, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

“Thank you also to the fans, who have shown unwavering support through every high and low. I wish West Ham nothing but success in the future. Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.”

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