27 May 2023 , 21:30
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Julen Lopetegui brushed aside speculation over his future as he joined the chorus of approval for Mikel Arteta.
With rumours circulating that the former Real Madrid boss is unhappy with the spending restrictions placed on Wolves this summer, he was gushing in his praise for his compatriot. While praising the Arsenal board for their patience, he suggested that the Gunners now have an ‘incredible project’ ahead of them.
He said: “Mikel had big problems when he arrived two years ago - but Arsenal showed faith and belief in him - and now they are collecting the rewards. He changed a lot of players, improved the team and produced fantastic answers. Now they have an incredible project in front of them.
“That’s his merit - fantastic work.
“In the same way, it highlights the merit of the club and the sporting director because he wouldn’t be able to do what he’s done without belief in him.
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“And to believe in the mid or long-term is very difficult. In general, it’s always short-term.
“I think they are reaping the rewards of that belief and I’m happy for them because teams that show patience and work a lot for the future deserve success.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Getty Images)Meanwhile, Lopetegui has received a vote of confidence from none other than Molineux legend Steve Bull as rumours circulate that he remains unhappy with the assurances from the board about the rebuild during the close season.
A string of players, including midfield kingpins Joao Moutinho and skipper Ruben Neves, are expected to either quit or be moved on.
With Wolves having splashed the cash in the January window to survive, the club is not awash with cash to spend in the market.
The Black Country club was lying bottom of the Premier League at Christmas and Lopetegui has marshalled a backs-to-the-wall operation to see them over the line with two games to spare.
And Bull says the club needs to pull out the stops to ensure he remains in his post.
He said: “Wolves should do everything they can to keep Julen Lopetegui.
Who else is there that can do a job like he’s done? We were at the bottom, struggling, and he’s turned it around.
“They have to find a way of keeping him happy - and keeping him at the club.”
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