Wolves appoint Walter Zenga as head coach after ditching Kenny Jackett

Wolverhampton Wanderers have hired Walter Zenga as their head coach, after the club sacked Kenny Jackett late on Friday night.

“We’re delighted to appoint Walter as the new head coach of Wolves,” Jeff Shi, a director at the Championship club, said. “He has an excellent track record both as a player and as a coach, and a wealth of experience he can bring to his new role at Wolves.

“Walter is a hugely passionate personality who lives for football and is fiercely determined to succeed in everything that he does. We are looking forward to working with him, and supporting him in the shared aim of trying to help Wolves achieve promotion back to the Premier League.”

Zenga, who has previously managed Steaua Bucharest, Red Star Belgrade and Palermo, takes his first coaching role in England. His most recent managerial post was in the United Arab Emirates with Al Shaab but he left by mutual consent in February.

The 56-year-old former Italy goalkeeper, capped 58 times by his country, will be in attendance at Wolves’ pre-season friendly on Saturday against Swansea City but will formally take charge of his new side on Monday. As a player Zenga spent 13 seasons at Internazionale before joining Sampdoria in 1994.

A statement released at 11pm BST on Friday night said that Shi had made the decision to relieve Jackett of his duties following discussions over the past few days. Shi said: “I would like to sincerely thank Kenny for everything he’s done for Wolves over the last three years. He’s shown true professionalism during his tenure and over the course of the transition to new ownership. I would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”

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The takeover of Wanderers by the group fronted by Shi, Fosun International, was completed last week and Jackett’s firing came four days after the club said that his position was not under threat. At a press conference on Monday, Shi said that Jackett would have “an opportunity to bring success” to the club, who finished 14th in the Championship last season.

“We share the same opinions. I think the squad is too small but I’m trying to give him all the support I can,” said the new Wolves director, who also said that he and Jackett were in discussions over bolstering the first-team squad.

Helder Costa, the Benfica winger, agreed to join the club on a season-long loan deal on Friday and the Wolves owners Fosun have promised more investment in the squad. The goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is the club’s only permanent signing so far this summer.

“We have said we will invest between £20m and £30m over the next two years,” said Shi. “That is a necessity and if necessary we can put more money in.

“The most important thing is getting the right players in the right position to help the club. I do not think money is a problem for us.”