Wolves chairman Jeff Shi has welcomed new manager Julen Lopetegui.

The 56-year-old becomes Wolves' first Spanish boss and takes charge on Monday, ending a six-week tenure for interim Steve Davis, following Bruno Lage's sacking.

Lopetegui arrived at Compton yesterday morning and will be unveiled ahead of tonight's clash with Arsenal – as Wolves finally landed their man at the third time of asking.

Shi writes in his programme notes: “I'm very happy to finally welcome Julen to Wolves. I think it's destiny. Football, as is life, is hard to predict, and even two weeks ago I was not sure that he would be here, but throughout this process, I have pushed a lot, so I'm very pleased that everything has come together.

“Julen has a strong personality and he's a coach with clear leadership, not just with football players but with the clubs he has been at. He has a lot of experience in elite football and his track record is proven.

“We know we are in a difficult moment as a team right now, so we especially need a strong leader, with a strong personality, more than any other time I have been here. It is because of this that Julen was always our preferred choice.

“But now the hard work begins for Julen and his team as we look to him to help turn around our form. We want to win games and have enough points, but I don't expect us to start winning straight away.

“The first job will be to change the form and see some improvements. Eventually, only the final results will show if we are strong enough or not, but I think that him coming here will give us a much better chance – in the long-term – to have much better results."