West Ham United told future can be bright if Julen Lopetegui sack resisted
West Ham United can still turn it around under Julen Lopetegui despite the many frustrations of this season, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, discussed the highs and more lows under the Spaniard, whose job is now under major threat following defeats to Arsenal and Leicester City within the past week.
Darke cites the impressive away win at Newcastle United on 25 November as a sign that there are capabilities under Lopetegui, with crunch talks planned this week at the London Stadium regarding his future.
“There have been games this season that have shown Lopetegui can produce better than what he largely has,” he said.
“The Newcastle game, I don’t think there was an expert out there who didn’t think that was a home banker. So that shows something there with Lopetegui.
“Lucas Paqueta was back at it – he’s had a poor season – but West Ham were disciplined. Niclas Fullkrug is back and has something to prove in English football, so there’s at least something to look forward to.”
West Ham thought to be considering successor to Lopetegui
Reports of Lopetegui’s seemingly imminent departure have hugely intensified since Tuesday night’s loss at Leicester.
Kasper Hjulmand has been suggested as a potential new Hammers head coach [Florian Plettenberg, 4 December], while six-time Serie A champion Max Allegri has been a name heavily mentioned.
David Ornstein reports [The Athletic, 4 December] that the club are yet to place a deadline on finalising their decision on Lopetegui, and it remains unclear whether he will be in charge for the next game against his former club Wolves on 9 December.
In other West Ham news, Ally McCoist debates Lopetegui’s decisions against Leicester.
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