- Jose Lopetegui was a champion weightlifter in the Basque sport of stone-lifting
- The Hammers boss had visited his dad during the November international break
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! The reason why Pep Guardiola would walk from Manchester City
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father Jose, who died on Tuesday aged 94.
Jose Lopetegui was a champion weightlifter who competed in the Basque sport of stone-lifting.
Hammers head coach Lopetegui had last visited his father during the international break in November. He is expected to be back in the dug-out for Saturday’s Premier League visit of Brighton.
In the meantime Lopetegui’s coaching staff, Pablo Sanz and Edu Rubio, will take training.
A West Ham spokesperson said: ‘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.
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father Jose
Julen Lopetegui pictured with his father, champion stone lifter Jose Antonio, who is holding his sisters aloft
Lopetegui’s coaching staff, including assistant Pablo Sanz (left), will take charge of training in his absence
‘Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.’
The former Real Madrid and Wolves manager initially rejected the chance to take the reins at Molineux due to his father’s ill health.
According to talkSPORT, Lopetegui met with the Wolves hierarchy in October 2022, just days after he was relieved of his duties at Sevilla, but turned down the chance to replace Bruno Lage, citing his dad’s health.
Lopetegui Sr’s might was rather touchingly displayed in a famous photo of the strongman hoisting his two young daughters above his head, while a young Julen stood alongside his father.
‘He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it,’ Lopetegui told Mail Sport earlier this year.
‘‘He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football. In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.’
Lopetegui credited his father with being all about ‘sacrifice and not looking for excuses’.
