Dark clouds are gathering over West Ham once again after the dismal 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest reignited calls for Julen Lopetegui to be sacked.
West Ham put in another terrible, ill-disciplined Premier League performance at the City Ground.
When the Hammers faced Man United last weekend, it was dubbed ‘El Sackico’.
That spoke volumes about the pressure both Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag were under.
West Ham were extremely fortunate not to lose heavily after an all too common abysmal first half display.
A much-improved second half resulted in a lucky 2-1 win.
But many felt it could be a sign the penny had dropped and the Hammers had clicked under Lopetegui.
El Sackico proved correct when Ten Hag was handed his P45 less than 24 hours later.
Lopetegui survived albeit with the owners making it clear ‘we were very fortunate’.
Any hopes that the Man United win would breathe new life and belief into West Ham’s season proved yet another false dawn.
The Irons have three Premier League wins from 10 games under Lopetegui so far.
West Ham board respond on Lopetegui future amid sack calls
It is not lost on many fans, observers and pundits that two of those victories – over Crystal Palace and Man United – have been very fortunate indeed.
In both matches, the opposition should and could have been out of sight before West Ham managed to get the three points.
Lopetegui could be sat in a situation today where his team has suffered three consecutive drubbings save for getting away with one against Man United.
That has seen the heat turned up again on the owners to act over the manager.
It has also put intense scrutiny on technical director Tim Steidten and his summer transfer dealings.
Especially as West Ham now have the oldest squad in the Premier League and play like it.
But what are the club saying?
The West Ham board have responded on Lopetegui’s future as sack calls reignite.
Hammers News has spoken to the spokesman for West Ham’s owners about the situation.
In light of another red card for Edson Alvarez, I put it to them that indiscipline in the team – both tactically and in terms of behaviour – is usually a sign of unrest in the ranks.
Hammers hierarchy issue 14-word statement on situation
I also posed the question whether West Ham have to admit they may have made a mistake appointing Lopetegui.
The club were asked whether they at least have half an eye on potential contingency plans should West Ham’s horrendous form continue.
It was also put to them that the Hammers could and should be sat here today off the back of three big defeats.
West Ham have issued a 14-word response clarifying the current state of play.
“We are still 100 per cent behind the manager,” the board spokesman told Hammers News.
“But results have to improve.”
West Ham face Everton at home next weekend in what now feels like a genuine six-pointer for Lopetegui.
A convincing performance and taking all three points is simply a must.
If the Toffees win at the London Stadium they will leapfrog West Ham in the table.
The noise around Lopetegui’s position and calls for his head would likely become deafening.
Particularly with a two-week international break to follow.
The Spaniard will be without Mohammed Kudus again while Alvarez will also miss the game.
Although the latter is not necessarily the worst news given the level of his performances.
One look at the fixtures after the international break makes for grim reading too.
The Hammers go to Newcastle United then face Arsenal at home.
