Guillem Balague launches defence of Julen Lopetegui after West Ham manager news

Guillem Balague has launched an impassioned defence of soon-to-be West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui.

The Spanish journalist has spoken up for his compatriot before, following a lukewarm reaction from West Ham fans to news of his impending appointment.

Following the culmination of the season and David Moyes' final game against Manchester City, Balague has taken to social media again to cite Lopetegui's credentials.

Balague wrote on X (19 May): "Some people think that the manager that took Sevilla three times in a row to the Champions League for the first time in their history, who won the Europa League, who was chosen to be Spain and Real Madrid manager, who saved Wolves (from bottom to seven points from relegation) is not good enough to manage a team that will finish 9th in the Premier League.

"What planet do those people live in?"

Is Julen Lopetegui a good choice as West Ham United head coach?

Many of a West Ham persuasion have expressed their disappointment with the club over the decision to replace Moyes with Lopetegui.

From the decision to part ways with Moyes at all, to how his departure was handled, to the choice of successor in Lopetegui, there has been plenty of vocal criticism aimed at the West Ham board.

With Moyes now stepping down after his final game - a 3-1 loss at title-winning Manchester City on 19 May - full focus now turns to Lopetegui's impending arrival and the impact that will have on the team's fortunes.

Fans are likely to afford the 57-year-old little patience, given he is clearly not their preferred candidate, with names such as Ruben Amorim, Graham Potter and Paulo Fonseca appearing to inspire more positive reactions.

However, Lopetegui does boast a strong managerial CV and - his short stint at Real Madrid aside - has overseen positive change at each of his previous clubs.

Hammers fans will hope he can do the same in London - but he may have to do so quickly.

In other West Ham news, Ian Wright has called out James Ward-Prowse in the Hammers' loss against City.

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