Ally McCoist baffled by what Julen Loeptegui did at West Ham recently. Credit: talkSPORT / Imago
Ally McCoist baffled by what Julen Loeptegui did at West Ham recently. Credit: talkSPORT / Imago
Match

Ally McCoist hits out at 'strange' Julen Lopetegui decision at West Ham recently

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on: 

Ally McCoist was baffled by Julen Lopetegui's starting XI selection before West Ham lost 3-1 to Leicester City on Tuesday.

With a long Premier League campaign ahead, especially in a busy winter period, managers have to rotate players, but eyebrows were raised when Aaron Wan-Bissaka lined up at left-back on 3 December.

Lopetegui also dropped the likes of Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville and Emerson to the bench for the clash at the King Power Stadium, with fans further questioning the head coach's judgement.

Speaking live via talkSPORT [5 December, 7:27am], McCoist said: "I thought the team selection versus Leicester was strange. He played Wan-Bissaka at left-back and had Emerson on the bench as he brought Coufal back in.

"Danny Ings was up front. He had a bench of Summerville, Antonio, and Paqueta, who I think is an excellent football player. Making decisions like that with your team, you only get away with it if you win."

Julen Lopetegui continues to struggle at West Ham United

The Hammers are now set to hold board meetings to discuss the current head coach's future in East London, as per Jim White, with the team struggling to gain any sort of foothold on the pitch.

Some supporters were pleasantly surprised by the 2-0 win over Newcastle United before crashing straight back down to earth as they conceded five goals in a single half against Arsenal.

Now, the Spaniard is under pressure more than ever after shipping three goals against the relegation-threatened Foxes, and his squad selection has been slammed ever since.

Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

With Summerville, Antonio and Paqueta stuck on the bench, and Jean-Clair Todibo supposedly injured after a clash with the head coach [Daily Mail], it was a brave decision, even against Leicester.

If they had claimed all three points without a struggle, nothing would have been made of some of the decisions, but the mounting pressure is only increasing and they could be his final actions in charge.

In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten has created a manager succession plan with Julen Lopetegui in "serious danger".

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.

Ally McCoist
Leicester City
Julen Lopetegui
West Ham
www.westhamzone.com