West Ham have been hit by more sad news ahead of the Premier League clash with Brighton in what has been a difficult couple of weeks.
It was just 11 days ago that West Ham were left praying for the survival of striker Michail Antonio.
When images emerged of Antonio’s Ferrari, the Hammers admitted they feared the worst.
Antonio’s lucky escape from a horrific car crash put football into perspective – even if it might end his career after he suffered a broken thigh bone.
Less than one week later, on Friday evening, West Ham announced the absolutely devastating news that young Academy star Oscar Fairs had passed away.
Under 15 Academy goalkeeper Oscar had been fighting against a rare brain cancer.
Oscar had been with his beloved West Ham since the age of six and was a lifelong fan and season ticket holder.
The young starlet dreamed of reaching the West Ham first team and playing for his beloved Hammers one day. But he sadly lost his battle against the illness.
Meanwhile – unbeknownst to most fans – Lopetegui has been dealing with some personal issues in the background of all the noise around his future.
His elderly father and hero Jose Antonio Lopetegui had been unwell.
It was one of the big reasons Lopetegui returned home during the November international break it has now emerged.
Unfortunately Lopetegui’s father has now passed at the age of 94, West Ham have today confirmed to Hammers News.
Tributes to Oscar and messages of support to West Ham poured in from across football.
Now there has been another dark day for West Ham as terribly sad Julen Lopetegui news is confirmed.
Terribly sad Lopetegui news confirmed by West Ham
West Ham’s Spanish boss has been under immense pressure of late.
He has been clinging on to his job for the last month, with results against Wolves and Bournemouth keeping him at the Hammers helm.
West Ham have confirmed to Hammers News that Lopetegui flew to Spain last night to be with his family.
“We don’t know (if he will be here for the Brighton game),” the spokesman told Hammers News.
“He flew to Spain last night. It’s not been a great time for the club of late.”
There is a famous photo showing Lopetegui’s strongman dad hoisting his then baby daughters, one on each hand, above his head while his young son was standing next to them.
Reports in France and Spain emerged stating José Antonio – who was a legendary Basque stonelifter – died yesterday after a long illness.
Now West Ham have confirmed that is the case to Hammers News.
Another dark day for Hammers as Lopetegui’s father passes away
As things stand a club spokesman says they do not know whether Lopetegui will be in the dugout for the Premier League game against Brighton.
In Spain, funerals are usually held within 24-48 hours of death, although there are exceptions.
You can see it in the post below.Speaking about his dad previously, Lopetegui said: “He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it.
“He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football.
“In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.”
Our thoughts are with the manager at this difficult time.
Let’s hope the players really step up for him now.
As West Ham have experienced over the last week or so, certain things are far bigger than football.
This is yet another reminder.
If Lopetegui is absent for the Brighton game then his assistant Pablo Sanz will lead the team.
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