Exclusive: Lopetegui Given Three-Game West Ham Ultimatum
West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui hasn’t had the greatest of starts to life at the London Stadium following a poor start to the Premier League and that could see his job ‘under threat’ if results don’t change soon, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed. The former Spain manager was appointed earlier in the summer after David Moyes’ five-year stint as boss came to an end, and with an array of signings under his belt, it was thought that the east London club would blossom into a competitive top-half outfit.But just four points from their opening games has cast doubt on whether they’ll be able to even finish in the top-half, along with paltry performances that haven’t filled fans with confidence. And sources have stated that Lopetegui will be closely monitored in their next three games against Brentford, Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur where he could be increasingly under the microscope if results and performances don’t improve for the better.Sources: West Ham to ‘Closely Monitor’ Lopetegui Form
The Hammers have had a poor start to the Premier League season
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that West Ham had been ‘seriously thinking’ about making an offer to Ruben Amorim once it became clear that Moyes was not going to continue for another season at the London Stadium in the summer.However, they opted for Lopetegui in the end, as the Spaniard’s experience in the Premier League was favourable and co-owner David Sullivan had been guided towards his signing by advisors and agents. Amorim was seen as an ambitious target, having led Sporting Lisbon to their second title in four years in the Portuguese top-flight, but he would also have been extremely expensive, as Liverpool were interested at the time before they brought in Dutch boss Arne Slot.However, the Lopetegui decision is already looking to be one that could go wrong, and as such, the Spaniard will be closely analysed over their next three matches – before a decision will be made to decide if his job is in danger. There is concern throughout the club about the football on offer so far, and the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is not far from seeing his job ‘being under threat’.As a result, Sullivan will briefly let it ‘work itself out’, as he took the decision to appoint him – whilst others were unsure if it was the right move.
Lopetegui May Not Be The Right Fit For West Ham
His evident struggles could show he’s better at underdog teams
Lopetegui’s reign at Wolves was generally successful. He took over the club during the 2022 World Cup break, and won his first game away at Everton on Boxing Day, which began a run of four wins in seven games to hoist Wolves out of the danger zone.
A poor run from there onwards limited the club from finishing in the top-half, before he left after disagreements over transfer budget. But the West Ham challenge is increasingly different.
Wolves were in turmoil when he took over and as a ‘firefighter’ manager, the former Real Madrid boss was perfect for what they needed. But the West Ham challenge is to develop the club long-term and whether his style of play suits the Hammers sees the jury still out.
Leave a Reply