Julen Lopetegui is very headstrong — he believes he can fix West Ham United’s league position. Monday’s game could be crucial in deciding whether he will be granted the opportunity to fulfil that objective.
The head coach is at risk of getting sacked due to West Ham’s poor form. Lopetegui was named as David Moyes’ successor in May. The Spaniard signed a two-year deal, with the option of a further year. But seven months later, his reign has led to fan unrest.
After spending over £120million on Maximilian Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Wes Foderingham, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville, Carlos Soler and Guido Rodriguez, West Ham are no closer to competing for a European berth.
How much longer will the board persist with Lopetegui? What has he said about the pressure he is under? What are West Ham’s expectations for the rest of the season?
What’s the state of play for Lopetegui?
The head coach will remain in charge for Monday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The decision was made to stick with Lopetegui following a board meeting last Thursday.
But West Ham’s hierarchy are still considering all options. As reported by my colleague David Ornstein, Graham Potter, the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager, is a strong contender should a change eventually be made.
Why is he under pressure?
West Ham have lost seven of their 14 league games this season. Their only league wins have come against Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Newcastle United. But the manner of defeats by Chelsea, Liverpool (in the Carabao Cup), Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal increased the pressure on Lopetegui.
During the 3-1 defeat against Leicester City, supporters chanted about Lopetegui getting sacked. It was the first time they had voiced their discontent beyond boos. The embattled head coach has struggled to consistently get the best out of key players, has clashed with Mohammed Kudus and Todibo and has been ineffective at fixing the porous defence.
Has the football been good, even if results have been questionable?
West Ham still lack an identity under Lopetegui. The 2-0 away victory over Newcastle United was the only game of note where Lopetegui’s tactics impressed. He was rewarded for persisting with full-backs Emerson Palmieri and Wan-Bissaka playing in advanced positions. Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta and Soler impressed as midfield trio.
West Ham also showed signs of promise in victories over Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. But the team remains vulnerable defensively, have an inconsistent midfield and an ageing forward line that has fleetingly impressed. Lopetegui often tinkers with his starting XI, which is another contributing factor behind their lack of consistency. The club ranks first in the league for changes made at half-time.
| Team | Half-time subs |
|---|---|
 West Ham |
12
|
 Southampton |
9
|
 Aston Villa |
7
|
 Manchester United |
7
|
 Newcastle United |
6
|
 Nottingham Forest |
6
|
 Crystal Palace |
5
|
 Manchester City |
5
|
 Wolverhampton Wanderers |
5
|
 Chelsea |
4
|
 Arsenal |
3
|
 Bournemouth |
3
|
 Brighton & Hove Albion |
3
|
 Liverpool |
3
|
 Tottenham Hotspur |
3
|
 Brentford |
1
|
 Everton |
1
|
 Fulham |
1
|
 Leicester City |
1
|
 Ipswich |
0
|
What are West Ham’s expectations for the season?
West Ham should not be meandering in 14th, with the attacking riches of Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Paqueta. It is a squad far too talented to be hovering above the relegation zone.
The initial mandate given to Lopetegui was to challenge for Europe, which is why he proclaimed he intended to make a big noise. But expectations have shifted to consolidating a top-10 finish and a potential cup run.
What sort of manager should West Ham be looking for if Lopetegui goes?
It is the second time since 2018 that West Ham have appointed a foreign manager with little success. Manuel Pellegrini was appointed as Moyes’ successor in May 2018 but had an underwhelming 19-month spell. Lopetegui’s reign has also not lived up to expectations. Appointing British managers is a template the club needs to revert back to. Potter being a strong contender to replace Lopetegui bodes well for their track record in this area.
Since August 1994, seven of their last 12 permanent managers have been British, including two spells for Moyes. Harry Redknapp guided West Ham to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, which remains their highest, in the 1998-99 season. Redknapp also won the Intertoto Cup as manager in August 1999. Alan Pardew helped seal promotion back to the top flight after winning the play-off final in 2004-05. During his reign, West Ham lost against Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup final. Alan Curbishley’s side achieved a “Great Escape” from relegation in the 2007-08 season. There were bright moments under Sam Allardyce and Moyes’ second spell is remembered for 2023 Europa Conference League glory in Prague.
It has not worked whenever the board has opted for a new direction under a foreign manager. Slaven Bilic is the only one who is still fondly remembered for building a team around ex-fan favourite Dimitri Payet. It should be a British manager the board appoints next.
What has Lopetegui said about his future?
West Ham have won just one of their last five league games. They are 14th and six points above the relegation zone, but Lopetegui still believes he is capable of ending their bad run of form.
“I have a big commitment to my work, always, and I am very happy to stay at West Ham,” he said in Friday’s press conference. “We are going to change the situation. I am not thinking about this (my future). I am thinking we have one very important challenge on Monday against a good team. For sure, we’re not happy and, for sure, the fans are always right. That’s why I think, until now, they give us much more than we give them. We have to change this, and we are looking for this.”
(Top photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
