Premier League legend Alan Shearer has urged Wolves to try and keep hold of Julen Lopetegui.
The 2022/23 Premier League season is now officially over, and it has been a rollercoaster campaign for Wanderers.
After an horrendous start under Bruno Lage, Wolves recovered following the appointment of Lopetegui in November.
The Spaniard got his players fitter and added some important players in January. He also made the team generally a bit more organised.
In the end, he was able to get the points needed to navigate away from the relegation zone.
To achieve safety with three games to spare was an impressive feat.
It is now about kicking on for Wolves. But that might be difficult because the club is now dealing with some financial issues.
Wolves need to sell players this summer to offset their spending this season.
These worries over FFP have cast doubt on Lopetegui’s future. At this stage it’s thought the Spaniard will stay, but he has not outright said that he will. He has said a couple of times publicly now that investment is needed in order for him to build and compete.
There was a word for Lopetegui on Match of the Day on Sunday, with Shearer adamant Wolves need to keep the 56-year-old.
He said: “He’s been excellent. You mentioned the financial issues, I think they need to keep hold of him.
“They were bottom of the table when he took over. 31 points from 25 games. (He’s done) a remarkable job.”
Wolves must appease Julen Lopetegui amid concerns over FFP
Wolves under Lopetegui have genuinely serious potential.
There are many brilliant players on paper at Molineux, and Lopetegui has proven himself as a top coach, both with Wolves and at other clubs in his career.
Wolves could really go places under him.
But these apparent FFP issues could force him to work with one hand tied behind his back.
Wolves officials need to find a way of appeasing Lopetegui, because it is just starting to feel like he might not be very happy.
Given what he’s said in press conferences, it’s clear he wasn’t aware of the financial situation. And he knows there needs to be investment.
Shearer is right, Wolves need to do their utmost to keep Lopetegui in place at Molineux.