West Ham United worry emerges as Fabrizio Romano shares Julen Lopetegui on Instagram
Dan Bardell has been left unimpressed by Julen Lopetegui and thinks West Ham United must consider their options further before appointing David Moyes’ replacement.
The Hammers confirmed via X (6 May) that Moyes would be departing the London Stadium upon the expiration of his contract.
Fabrizio Romano has also reported via Instagram that Lopetegui has now agreed terms to succeed Moyes in the hot seat in Stratford after accepting West Ham’s proposal and details now being finalised between all the relevant parties.
Bardell has responded to reports linking the manager to the Hammers but isn’t completely sold on the former Real Madrid boss.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “He’s someone I’m a little bit wary of because he’s left clubs under a cloud a number of times.
“I think when a manager leaves so close to the start of the season like he did at Wolves, it comes across a bit premeditated.
“He obviously had the stuff with Real Madrid and the Spain job at one time in his career.
“There’s no doubt that he is a talented manager and he did a good job at Wolves but Gary O’Neil has arguably done better.
“I don’t know but I think West Ham have to be very careful with this next appointment. There’s no guarantee they’re going to be more successful than David Moyes.”
How could Julen Lopetegui fare at West Ham after Wolves spell?
After departing Sevilla, Lopetegui made the move to the West Midlands with Wolves in November 2022 after Bruno Lage was sacked.
He only lasted just 267 days as he departed just days before the current campaign after a dispute over the owner’s transfer policy.
In his time in the Premier League, he managed 27 matches and his side were on the winning side of 10 times. On the flip side, he did coach his side to 12 defeats and five draws, according to Transfermarkt.
This saw Lopetegui manage just a 1.03 points per game record which over the 22/23 whole campaign which would have seen him finish 11th.
By comparison, Moyes has registered 1.53 points per game which would have seen him finish just one place above in 10th.
Lopetegui is likely to employ a similar tactical approach to the Scotsman and as a result may garner similar results.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a new update over Mohammed Kudus’ future amid exit links.
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