West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui returns to Spain due to family tragedy
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has returned to his home country of Spain to bid farewell to his father, José, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94, reports the Daily Mail. Lopetegui is expected to return to England on Saturday ahead of the match against Brighton.
In Lopetegui’s absence, team preparations will be overseen by his assistants Edu Rubio and Pablo Sanz.
"West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94. The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time," said an official club spokesperson.
José Lopetegui was a former champion in weightlifting and participated in the traditional Basque sport of stone lifting.
This season, West Ham under Lopetegui's management has been struggling. The London side currently sits 14th in the Premier League table, with just 19 points from 16 matches. The Hammers are only 7 points clear of the relegation zone.
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
