Julen Lopetegui on dealing with the media – ‘Football is a circus, my head is in the lion’s mouth’

Former Sevilla, Real Madrid and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has explained that in his view, football is like a circus, but denied lying to the media as part of his job.

The Europa League-winner has been out of work since leaving Wolves at the start of the season, and was heavily linked with Milan in recent weeks, as they look to replace Stefano Pioli. The reaction of Milan support has not been positive though, and the Rossoneri have reportedly changed their minds on the Basque coach. Diario AS say that Lopetegui is disappointed with Milan, having turned down other offers in expectation of the job at San Siro.

In a recent interview with Sid Lowe for ESPN, the Milan job was not discussed, but Lopeteguin give a number of interesting insights into how a manager deals with the press, beginning with whether maangers lie as part of their media duties.

“No. I tell you what I think most helps my team. Sometimes I could be nicer. Sometimes I could give more of a headline. But the ideal headline for me is that my team has won. And with time you learn better how to manage all the games that are played. Sometimes your message is for your team, sometimes for the environment around it. Sometimes there is a message you want to deliver.”

Lopetegui also admitted that at times, coaches are hoping particular questions will come their way in order to deliver that message.

“Yes, sometimes and if not, you find a way. You get to Rome via Galicia! A donde vas, manzanas traigo. [Where are you going, I bring apples: a Spanish phrase that means you respond to a question with something else entirely]. Sometimes you’re conscious of the headline they want, and they ask the same thing seven different ways to get there. But you don’t want to give it. You know