Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has ruled himself out of the race for the Manchester United managerial post this summer.
The Spaniard had been targeted by the Old Trafford board as a possible successor to Ralf Rangnick, who will step down as interim manager at the end of the season to take up a consultancy role.
However, the Mirror reports that Lopetegui has committed himself to Sevilla and will not be interviewed for the position.
He said:
“The [speculation], I can’t help it. I am where I want to be. Continue on the Sevilla bench next season? I have no doubt.”
Lopetegui has worked hard to repair his reputation after being fired as Spain’s coach midway through the 2018 World Cup for his unprofessional way of joining Real Madrid. He took over at the Bernabeu, but only lasted two months before being fired due to a string of poor performances.
Sevilla manager Jules Lopetegui tells @abcdesevilla: “My decision is clear – I want to stay here at Sevilla. I’ve no doubt”, he said on his future. 🇪🇸 #Sevilla
Lopetegui has been considered as option on Man United list for long time, but he’s never been the frontrunner. pic.twitter.com/E8fJwX43L4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2022
He guided Sevilla to the Europa League title in 2019 and is still in charge of the club, which was been leading a title push for much of this season.
This opens the door to a two-man race for the manager’s job, with Erik ten Hag and Pochettino appearing to be the only two who haven’t ruled themselves out.
As reported last month, Pochettino was the early favourite for the United job, with the club board confident of signing him. Following the club’s talks with Ten Hag, Pochettino has met with United club directors and will be having his interview soon.
Meanwhile, Spain coach Luis Enrique has assured the media that he will take his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the winter.
Despite his outstanding tenure as manager at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Lopetegui has always been considered a long shot for the job. And it now looks that he has ruled out the possibility of becoming Manchester United manager.
