Lopetegui reveals player “is close” to signing for Wolves – Sends message to own players

On December 8th, Julen Lopetegui confirmed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ interest in signing Atlético Madrid’s Matheus Cunha and Felipe in the winter market.

The manager also insisted deals for the duo were not close to being completed.

Wolves are joined by a few other clubs in chasing Cunha, but they are reportedly said to be in pole to secure his services.

The West Midlands club are at the bottom of the table and are four points behind Everton, who are in 17th spot. Wolves have scored the least number of goals [8] in the league this term and conceded 24 goals in the process.

Marca interviewed the ex-Sevilla coach, during which they pointed these statistics and asked Lopetegui how he can turn things around. When responding to this, the Spaniard shared an update on Wolves’ pursuit of Cunha.

“Convincing the boys that they have much more capacity. We will also try to improve the team in the January market – Cunha [Atlético] is close,” he said.

“The sets are built from behind. You have to be solid. We have played well in places where the incidence is lower. We have to improve our performance in the areas, although the defence is the most important. And from there, do more damage. It’s not easy. There is a lot of equality in the Premier League. There are 12 teams of an even level.”

Wolves’ dressing room is dominated by Portuguese players and when asked whether this has helped him in adaptation, Lopetegui explained: “There are many that I have trained, but we also want to give the team a British touch. The dressing rooms need a bit of identity from the place where they are.

“There are also Spaniards, Mexicans, English… Different nationalities that we want to unify to be a united and solid team.”

Lopetegui was relieved of his duties at Sevilla in October, days after Wolves sacked Bruno Lage. The 56-year-old had initially turned down the English club before accepting the job last month.

“The Premier League was a goal for a long time. I had opportunities to go several times, but due to circumstances it was not done,” the Wolves coach added.

“We thought we were going to stop and recycle after three intense and beautiful years at Sevilla, but personal circumstances changed, and an exciting project appeared.

“A team in a complex situation, but with great potential that has bet heavily on us. We believe in the project, and we have jumped on it to change a situation that will not be easy.”