Sullivan blocked from sacking Lopetegui amid West Ham finances – Sky journalist
David Sullivan might not sack West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui due to the club’s finances, according to Dan Bardell.
The Spaniard took over at the London Stadium during the summer and oversaw a transfer window consisting of nine high-profile signings.
This resulted in high expectations for the Hammers which haven’t been met in the opening 11 games of the season, which has piled pressure on the head coach.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has suggested that the manager will be afforded more time in East London after a busy transfer window and due to a “hefty payoff” [Phil McNulty].
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “It will be a factor, obviously.
“There will be an element of Sullivan not wanting to pay the package and then pay to bring another manager in if that’s the direction they went down.
“I just think they’ve put so much into this appointment and bought so many players, I think he’ll get more time.
“I do think it was a disastrous appointment, it’s just not going to work there for Lopetegui or West Ham.“
Julen Lopetegui afforded more time at West Ham
There has been very little to be positive about this season for Irons fans with performances and results being frustrating to say the least.
The hierarchy at the London Stadium are growing impatient and could pull the trigger depending on the results in upcoming games against Newcastle United (25 November) and Arsenal (30 November) [Jacob Steinberg].
Given the outlay in the summer window, it does make sense to give Lopetegui more time but as supporters continue to grow impatient, the atmosphere will only become more and more toxic.
In other West Ham news, sources have issued an update on the quest to sign a player Guardiola once called “special”.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.