David Sullivan reason to reject Barcelona boss Hansi Flick at West Ham United revealed
West Ham owner David Sullivan rejected now Barcelona manager Hansi Flick after a lengthy phone call with his intermediary, according to HITC.
The news outlet reported on 29 May that Sullivan was not convinced by the German and his CV and decided that the former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui was a better fit.
A few weeks later, Flick, a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich landed the Barcelona job, with the Spanish side sacking Xavi.
West Ham may have made a mistake in not appointing Hansi Flick
It is truly baffling how Sullivan found Lopetegui a better fit for the club than Flick.
The German, a decorated manager with a proven track record of success at Bayern Munich, including winning the sextuple in the 2019-20 season, was available and interested in the job.
His experience and success at the highest level of European football would have been a significant asset to any club.
On the other hand, Lopetegui, while having a decent managerial career, including a successful stint at Sevilla, where he won the Europa League in 2020, has not achieved the same level of success as Flick.
His recent tenure at Wolves was not particularly successful, ending in his dismissal.
Given the difference in their recent achievements and the stature of the clubs they have managed, it’s somewhat surprising that the Hammers opted for Lopetegui over Flick.
However, football management decisions often involve a variety of factors beyond just past success, including personal connections, managerial style and the club’s strategic vision so there must be something more that has not been revealed.
In other West Ham news, the wife of a Hammers player has potentially stirred up a controversy with her recent comments on social media accusing the club of bias.
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