Kilman shares honest St James’ Park verdict ahead of West Ham clash v Newcastle
Max Kilman has admitted that West Ham face a tough task to get a result in their trip to Newcastle on Monday.
The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand.
The underwhelming start to the season has led to continued speculation over Julen Lopetegui’s position as manager, with the Spaniard needing big results in the next two matches to secure his future, according to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg.
Talking to the club’s official website [25 November], Kilman said the clash with Eddie Howe’s side will not be an easy one.
“St James’ Park is always a tough place to go, and their support is really good, so it’s going to be tough but we’re really looking forward to it,” he said.
“These are the kinds of games and atmospheres you want to be part of, and I think it’s the kind of match where we can really push on. Our next two games (against Newcastle and Arsenal) are huge, and we know if we can get good results a lot will change. That’s our plan, and what we’re looking to do.
“Hopefully I can be a big part of driving that on. We’ve got an experienced and quality squad, and we all want to achieve more. Making sure I’m fit, available and able to contribute has always been big for me, and for sure I’m ready to help the team improve and get the rewards we want.”
West Ham need Newcastle result to ease relegation concerns
Right now, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the Hammers find themselves in the Championship at the start of next season.
They need to start getting positive results to climb away from the relegation zone and put some distance between themselves and the likes of Everton, Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton.
If they fail to do, it is unlikely that Lopetegui will last much longer in the dugout with the likes of Michael Carrick and Edin Terzic being linked as his replacement.
His Hammers side have won just three of their Premier League matches so far this campaign, drawing three and losing five, despite bringing in several big-money additions.
Kilman is correct in his assessment that those two matches can turn the Irons’ season around. It could provide the momentum for Lopetegui and the squad to start moving up the table.
However, defeat would be a disaster and likely signal the end of the Lopetegui era at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been told when Sunderland could sanction a transfer for Jobe Bellingham.
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