JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.
The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.
GettyWest Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeral[/caption]
Jose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94
Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.
The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.
Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.
A West Ham spokesperson: “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.
“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.
“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.
Stone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.
It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.
At the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.
The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.
Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth and became the local mayor of Asteasu.
Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”
The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.
But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and now the passing of his father.
Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.
The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.
The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer.
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