Julen Lopetegui has praised the conduct and professionalism of Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Kenny Jackett after he almost replaced him at Molineux.
Lopetegui had been expected to move to the Championship outfit once the takeover of the club was complete but an hour before it was announced that Chinese firm Fosun had purchased Wolves, the former Porto chief was named as the new manager of Spain.
However, despite taking the option to coach his national team, Lopetegui has spoken of the "maximum respect" that he has for Jackett, who has continued in his role as Wolves head coach despite reports suggesting that he would soon be removed from his position.
Speaking to Guillem Balague for Sky Sports News, Lopetegui said: "I know how difficult it can be to carry on as normal with all this going around and I want to put on record my maximum respect for him and all his staff throughout this whole situation. The timing was not down to me, and Mr Jackett behaved throughout it all in a magnificent exemplary manner.
"I was waiting to hear about an agreement that I had in place about what was an incredibly attractive and exciting project at Wolves. Certainly if the Spanish job hadn't come up, I know I would now be coach at Wolverhampton."
Jackett's future at Wolves remains unclear but he will take charge of the club's friendly with Port Vale on Saturday afternoon.
Darren Plant
