Options to Replace Hodgson at Palace: Cooper and Lopetegui in the Spotlight

After another defeat for Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, potential successors are being discussed, with Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui emerging as likely candidates, according to the Guardian.

The 44-year-old Welshman and the experienced Spaniard are considered the frontrunners to take over at Selhurst Park following Crystal Palace’s recent struggles. The team’s 5-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday marked only one win in the last 12 fixtures and raised concerns about the club’s form.

The Guardian reports that Graham Potter was considered as a replacement for Hodgson during the summer, along with Cooper. However, despite Potter being seen at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, it appears that Lopetegui and Cooper are currently more favored choices.

In the opinion of some, including the Guardian, Cooper should be the preferred candidate over Lopetegui. The 57-year-old, with nine Premier League wins to his name, left Wolves due to issues with the board, making him a potential gamble for a club facing similar challenges in the boardroom.

Cooper, who recently departed Nottingham Forest, is seen as a capable problem solver. He turned around Forest’s fortunes from being at the bottom of the Championship to achieving Play-Off glory in the 2021/22 season.

As Crystal Palace contemplates a managerial change, the situation remains fluid, and attention is focused on the potential successors, with Hodgson’s future at SE25 hanging in the balance.