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It has been five months since Julen Lopetegui and Wolves parted ways.
Having guided Wolves to safety having taken charge when the club were bottom of the table last season, Lopetegui has enjoyed one of the longest breaks of his managerial career.
A career which has included managing Porto, Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla before his last job in the Premier League.
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Now, Lopetegui still resides in Wolverhampton and as we sit down in his kitchen, he explains why he's ready for his next challenge and why he wants it to be in England...
When I ask Lopetegui what he has been up to since August, his first response is 'very busy!'.
He has used his time over the last few months to travel around the UK to take in British culture but also because his wife has a love for British history - their travels have taken them to Edinburgh and York to name a few - with some football on the side.
"It's the first time in eight or nine years that I've stopped but sometimes it's a good thing to stop," Lopetegui told Sky Sports News.
"To have a different perspective, to take care of the family and to be able to reset yourself too - we have to try to take advantage of this time.
"I try to watch a lot of matches in the stadiums, in different cities but I've also been on a lot of trips with my wife too - you can ask me about all the castles in the UK and I know them!"
Although, it has not all been about the sightseeing - Lopetegui has also been preparing for a return to management and in this time, has met the PFA, LMA and PGMOL - all helpful engagements as he readies himself for a return to the Premier League.
"It's why I've said no to different countries and different situations because I would like to stay here in England. I feel like our team here is just starting and we want to achieve our dreams." Lopetegui said.
"The way the country lives football here is special - it's the best league in the world, the most competitive league in the world, the best environment for the players, coaches and fans too."
As Lopetegui mentioned, he has declined numerous opportunities to return to management as he waits for the right opportunity - but in his eyes, what does that look like?
"I have fought for titles, I have fought for different aims but of course for the most important thing to feel like you have a project you can put your stamp on it, where you can work and improve the performance of the whole club - if you ask me, I'd like this kind of challenge and to be able to achieve each aim the club has," Lopetegui said.
"I have to be ready. When you accept a challenge, it's not just about the players and the way you want to play… I think you have to understand where you are, what's the culture of the club and the history too.
"I think it's important to be able to create the right environment in each club - it's not easy, it's not just the players but the environment for the whole club, if you don't do that, it's very difficult, it's impossible in my opinion."
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Source: Sky
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