New Delhi: West Ham’s season hasn’t been the best one so far, with just three wins. This means Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui’s stay at the helm of the club could be decided by the next two games. For now, the West Ham board are backing the Spaniard to turn the fortunes for the side.
There is a thought that Lopetegui could be fired at the end of this month. The 58-year-old had joined the side after his predecessor, David Moyes’ contract wasn’t renewed at the end of the summer. It is now understood that West Ham are considering Lopetegui’s potential replacements.
Which is why West Ham needs to perform well when they visit Newcastle on their turf before hosting Arsenal the next weekend. In fact, if the outing against Newcastle doesn’t go well, the former Wolves boss could be axed with immediate effect.
“We have to say sorry to our fans”
Julen Lopetegui reacts to our defeat against Nottingham Forest. pic.twitter.com/6XnOaxY2Xe
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 2, 2024
It is well known that the club’s largest shareholder, David Sullivan, isn’t keen on making mid-season firing. The team’s performance has, however, raised a lot of alarms in the West Ham campaign. This season their three wins have come against Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Manchester United, who are themselves not in the best of patch.
Who could replace Lopetegui at West Ham?
With West Ham just five points away from the bottom three of the table, talks have been held on who can be Lopetegui’s replacement. Though there is no decision made yet on the topic, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has been evaluated internally for the job and former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Benfica coach Roger Schmidt have been considered as contenders as well.
During West Ham’s goalless draw against Everton, the atmosphere at London Stadium was sombre. Lopetegui’s tactical plans are being questioned, with big players not performing and the team constantly facing disciplinary issues. On top of it, Lopetegui hasn’t been able to provide an atmosphere that has let new players easily settle in the mix.
Recruitment this season hasn’t been exciting either and that puts technical director Tim Steidten in question as well. Steidten is in support of Lopetegui’s stay with the side and was involved in his appointment this summer. The club too is clearly not interested in sacking the former Spanish manager.
Lopetegui believes his experience can help the team improve. Having already managed teams like Porto and Real Madrid, he insists he can turn the fortunes for the side if given the time frame.
With just three wins in the season, Julen Lopetegui is facing testing times ahead as Premier League resumes after international break. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
