The Castellón club is actively seeking a successor to the former FC Barcelona manager, and Julen Lopetegui has emerged as a prominent name in the discussion.
Villarreal CF dismissed Quique Setién on Tuesday, September 5, with Miguel Ángel Tena stepping in as interim director of football. Lopetegui has surfaced as a leading option for the Yellow Submarine’s bench, reflecting the board’s willingness to explore seasoned candidates in a bid to stabilize the team amid a challenging period.
EXCELLENT: Quique Setien
The Cantabrian coach is no longer part of Villarreal CF pic.twitter.com/7LK4HiAJWi
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) September 5, 2023
Why Villarreal parted ways with Quique Setién and who might take over
Villarreal’s start to the 2023-24 LaLiga season proved disappointing, with just three points accumulated from the first 12 available. The modest early returns gave the club serious cause to reconsider its coaching situation. Setién, who had previously steered Betis, faced mounting pressure as the team failed to secure crucial results. The campaign opened with a home draw against Mallorca, followed by losses to Betis, Barcelona, and Cádiz. Those results weighed heavily on the club’s decision-making amid a board seeking tangible improvements on the pitch.
Reports from the media landscape, including insights cited by AS, indicated that Lopetegui had become a central figure in the consultation process. The former Real Madrid, Sevilla, and national team coach has been out of club football since parting ways with Wolverhampton Wanderers early in the Premier League season, creating a clear timeline for a possible return to management. Several other options were considered by the Villarreal board, but Lopetegui’s track record and experience with high-profile leagues positioned him as a compelling candidate for the position. The club’s leadership remains focused on identifying a head coach who can impart discipline, tactical flexibility, and a winning mindset to a squad eager to reverse the current trajectory.