While Paco Jemez has left the door ajar for a speedy return to West Ham United, another former assistant coach at the London Stadium has landed himself a move to a bonafide European giant.
Paco Jemez described himself as a ‘Hammer for life’ in statements which emerged to raise hopes on Thursday afternoon.
Despite suggestions that Almeria could offer a La Liga return for the former Rayo Vallecano and Granada manager, Jemez appears to have unfinished business at West Ham.
Just how important is it that Paco Jemez RETURNS to West Ham?
The Spaniard is certainly open to the idea… 🫡
In the meantime, one of Paco Jemez’s West Ham United predecessors – Juanvi Peinado – has got himself a pretty sizeable gig at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Juanvi Peinado joins Ajax a year after West Ham United sacking
Dutch giants Ajax have confirmed that Peinado will be joining the coaching staff of fellow Spaniard Michel ahead of the 2026/27 Eredivisie season.
Peinado joined West Ham as an assistant coach in the summer of 2024. He would spend just six months in the role, however. The Madrid-born 52-year-old was Julen Lopetegui’s long-time right-hand man, having worked with him at Sevilla and Wolves before moving to the London Stadium.
Lopetegui’s sacking in January 2025, coupled with Graham Potter’s arrival, brought an early end to Peinado’s time in the English capital.
It goes without saying that he will be hoping for a longer, more fruitful stint on the bench at Ajax.
“I am incredibly grateful and happy with the opportunity to be part of Michel’s staff as an assistant coach in his exciting adventure as head coach of Ajax,” Peinado wrote on his Instagram account.
“It is a great challenge and a great honour to be part of this fantastic and historic club. On to success!”
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Paco Jemez is keen on returning to the London Stadium
Michel was appointed by four-time European champions Ajax despite suffering relegation from La Liga with Girona last season. A nightmare ending that may have been, but Michel did also turn Man City’s Spanish sister club into genuine title challengers in 2023/24.
He guided Girona to a remarkable third-place finish while taking them into the Champions League for the very first time.
As far as achievements go in Spanish football, putting Girona briefly among Europe’s elite ranks even higher than Paco Jemez taking unfancied Rayo to a best-ever placing of eighth in 2013.
“I hope I can do my bit to return the club to the top,” Jemez told Mail Sport journalist Alex Jennings on the day that the World Cup kicked off across the Atlantic. “West Ham should always be in the Premier League.
“The fans have shown me so much love, they’ve made me a Hammer for life.”
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