Chris Sutton makes new Julen Lopetegui admission as West Ham United near appointment
Chris Sutton has admitted that he doesn’t believe West Ham United have made a “massive upgrade” by appointing Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
The Hammers announced in an official statement on Tuesday (7 May) that they and David Moyes had agreed to part ways at the end of the Premier League season, with Lopetegui the frontrunner to succeed the Scotsman.
While no official confirmation has yet emerged, Sutton has repeatedly criticised the Irons for their handling of the situation and revealed he isn’t excited by the potential appointment of the former Real Madrid boss.
Speaking on It’s All Kicking Off (9 May, 13:30) he said: “Everything is pointing to Lopetegui, I’m not sure that that is a massive upgrade. They’re not bringing in Pep, are they?
“That’s not a name that has really got me off of the settee and the family off of the settee thinking blimey.”
Will Julen Lopetegui replace David Moyes as West Ham United manager at the London Stadium?
The prospective appointment of Lopetegui seems to have divided supporters and pundits alike. While the Spaniard has enjoyed an impressive career, there seems to be a scepticism that he is the right fit for the Irons.
It doesn’t seem like an announcement around his appointment is imminent with some suggesting that no official word will be released from West Ham themselves until the end of the season, after Moyes’ departure.
Hopefully, Lopetegui can come in and prove his doubters wrong. It does feel like he could be fighting a losing battle with some pundits because of their appreciation of Moyes, but really it is the fanbase he has to win over.
Whether or not the former Wolves manager will be able to do that remains to be seen, but with the right backing in the summer transfer window and a good pre-season, everything is in place for the Irons to reach another level.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Mohammed Kudus’ future at the London Stadium
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