Jamie Carragher has thrown Julen Lopetegui into the mix as a potential Manager of the Season.
The Spaniard came in at Wolves back in November and was tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League.
He had a huge job on his hands.
Wolves sat bottom of the Premier League table, and the dressing room was somewhat beleaguered after a poor start to the season under Bruno Lage.
It seemed certain that Wolves would have a fight on their hands right until the every end.
But Lopetegui has worked his magic, and Wolves secured their safety a week ago today with three games to spare.
The manager has united the players, made some really smart additions and made the team more organised.
The football so far has not been massively entertaining. He has adopted a more pragmatic approach and it has paid off.
He has done as fantastic job considering the state of things when he came in, and last night on Twitter, Carragher named him as a Manager of the Season candidate.
He said: “What a performance from Brighton yet again today, their manager could be Manager of the Season. Has there ever been so many candidates for that award?!! #ARSBAH Pep, Arteta, Howe, De Zerbi, Emery, Frank, O’Neill, Silva, Lopetegui.”
Usually, the team that wins the league sees their head coach win Manager of the Season.
But it could be different this term, with a number of teams having performed way above expectation.
Julen Lopetegui not quite Manger of the Season material, but he’s done a stellar job at Wolves
Lopetegui has done an amazing job at Molineux. No question.
Despite his reputation, many fans did not anticipate him to guide the club to safety with three games to spare.
Not only has he picked up some great results and tactically outwitted other managers, but he’s also played a big part in Wolves’ mid-season recruitment which has ultimately saved the club.
He pushed for players like Mario Lemina and Craig Dawson, who have been massively influential.
Lopetegui will not be named Manager of the Season. But it is nice to see him thrown into the conversation by a high profile pundit like Carragher.