Former West Ham Manager Lopetegui Linked to Vacant Belgium Job

Julen Lopetegui, recently sacked by West Ham, is reportedly in negotiations to become the new coach of the Belgium national team, replacing Domenico Tedesco.

Julen Lopetegui, the 58-year-old Spanish coach who was recently sacked by West Ham, is reportedly in negotiations to take over the vacant Belgium national team job. According to local media, Lopetegui is in talks with the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) to succeed Domenico Tedesco, who was dismissed on Friday.

The RBFA is also considering other candidates for the position, including Frenchmen Rudi Garcia and Thierry Henry, as reported by Belgian media. Lopetegui's impressive track record, particularly his successful stint as Spain's national team coach, makes him a strong contender for the job. Between September 2016 and June 2018, Lopetegui led Spain to 20 unbeaten matches, securing 14 wins and six draws, and qualifying for the World Cup.

🚨 Belgium are in talks with Julen Lopetegui for the head coach postiton of the national team! 🇧🇪

(Source: @sachatavolieri) pic.twitter.com/DAqw6naJ8D

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 19, 2025

Lopetegui's tenure as Spain's coach was cut short when he was sacked just before the 2018 World Cup, following the announcement that he would join Real Madrid after the tournament. This decision created tension within the squad, and Fernando Hierro took over as coach. Despite this setback, Lopetegui rebounded with Sevilla, winning the Europa League in 2020. He then managed Wolves in 2022 before joining West Ham in May 2024, only to be sacked a few months later with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League.