Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has admitted he doesn’t particularly like his own touchline behaviour.
The Spaniard has just guided Wolves to Premier League safety following a turbulent 2022/23 season.
Wanderers had an awful start, but the appointment of Lopetegui in November saved the club’s bacon this term.
It was never pretty, but Lopetegui’s pragmatism paid off and he got the points required to keep Wolves in the division.
It has been a very stressful season for Wolves.
Watching the team at times has been difficult. Especially in the early parts of the season.
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But it’s been especially stressful for Lopetegui.
That has been evident with how animated he has been on the touchline. The former Sevilla man is a constant presence in his technical area and very rarely sits down.
Against Arsenal on Saturday he was forced to though, as he was serving a one-game ban for picking up four yellow cards. He took up a position in the stands alongside assistant manager Pablo Sanz.
Lopetegui says he doesn’t really like seeing his own antics, but concedes the way he is is just him. He said (via The Athletic): “Sometimes I am aware, when I see myself, I don’t like me. I think, ‘He is crazy, he is mad.’
“I think that, but then in the next match I am the same. Sorry, that is me.”
Lopetegui also spoke about what he’s like when he loses, revealing he relates to one former Premier League manager.
“I read Antonio Conte’s comments when he said, ‘After a defeat, I am dead for two days’. I understand him and what he means.”
Lopetegui’s passion is refreshing after laidback Lage
Lopetegui may not like seeing his own antics back. But most Wolves fans have liked seeing how he is on the touchline.
It is a refreshing change from Bruno Lage, was was certainly more of an observer.
Maybe Lopetegui goes overboard sometimes.
But there have been plenty of times this season where the team has needed a lift. And arguably, Lopetegui’s energy has often had a positive effect on the team.