Kevin Nolan breaks silence over West Ham United exit on air after Julen Lopetegui appointment
Former West Ham United coach Kevin Nolan has broken his silence following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui and his London Stadium exit.
The former Hammers midfielder departed the club following the final day Premier League defeat to Manchester City along with David Moyes and the rest of the Scotsman’s coaching staff.
Although it wasn’t a surprise to see Lopetegui appoint his own backroom staff, Nolan admitted he was keen to remain part of the team in East London and the former Real Madrid manager decided to let him leave.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s Friday Football Social (24 May) he said: “For me receiving the news on Monday was a bitter blow. It was disappointing on my behalf because I wanted to stay.
“But as we all know, it’s football and that’s it. That’s done now and we look forward and start thinking about the future. I think it’s come as a bit of a shock for all of us.
“Especially when it was released a couple of weeks before the season had finished. Because we were all under the illusion – well I certainly was from what had been passed down from David Moyes – was that he’d be talking to them in the summer again and that would be it
“My contract was a bit different. My contract would have just rolled on with the new manager if he would have wanted me. But obviously he wants his new team which you get and you know, unfortunately, I got the news on Monday.”
Has Kevin Nolan left West Ham United after Julen Lopetegui was appointed?
Nolan has been a key part of Moyes’ time at the London Stadium and while most fans wouldn’t have been unhappy to see him stay on under Lopetegui, it is natural that the new manager would introduce his own staff.
The Hammers need to back their new manager and part of that will include supporting his decision-making when it comes to constructing a backroom team or even potential summer signings.
It is clear that Nolan understands that himself as he has not once suggested Lopetegui made the wrong call. Maybe, this could prove to be the best thing for all parties as it will allow Nolan to continue his career elsewhere.
Hopefully, Lopetegui and his staff will hit the ground running in East London. The former Wolves boss needs to win over some pundits and supporters but he is more than capable of helping to transform this side after Moyes’ exit.
In other West Ham news, a sports lawyer has provided an update on Lucas Paqueta’s potential ban at the London Stadium
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