New West Ham boss Lopetegui vows to make ‘big noise’

(FILES) Wolverhampton Wanderers’ then Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui claps the fans ahead of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England, on November 12, 2022. – West Ham announced the appointment of former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui as their new manager on May 23, 2024. The Spaniard, who officially begins work on July 1, said he was “very happy to be able to be part of the future of this big club”. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / /

West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, vowed to make a “big noise” at the London Stadium after the former Real Madrid boss was hired by the Premier League club on Thursday.

Lopetegui has agreed to a two-year contract with the option of a third season.

The 57-year-old Spaniard had been out of work since leaving Wolves on the eve of the just-concluded Premier League season.

Lopetegui will officially begin work with the Hammers on July 1, replacing David Moyes after the Scot’s exit at the end of this season.

“We came here with the idea and the thought to make a big, big noise,” Lopetegui said. “That’s why we came here, and we are excited by this challenge.

“Of course, we are going to do our best to help the club and the team to achieve the best level and to achieve our aims.

“I assure the fans that they are going to be key in all our achievements.”

West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said Lopetegui’s appointment would “ensure a strong opportunity to build on the positive progress made in recent seasons”.

Lopetegui led Sevilla to Europa League glory in 2020, a success that restored his reputation after he was sacked by Real Madrid in 2018.

He had been dismissed by Spain just before the start of the