Darren Bent makes Julen Lopetegui sack prediction at West Ham United – ‘Big trouble’

Darren Bent believes West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui will be the next manager to lose his job in the Premier League amid a poor top-flight campaign thus far.

Lopetegui has been under fire for several weeks as the Irons and a goalless draw against fellow strugglers Everton piled even more pressure on the Irons ahead of the international break.

When asked on talkSPORT (12 November, 5:39 pm) who would get the boot first, Bent quickly claimed it would be the Spaniard.

He said: “I think when you look at records and what was expected at the start of the season, I would have to go with Lopetegui. He’s been terrible. He is in trouble. I think he’s in big trouble.

“They are just not exciting to watch at the minute and I know it’s still early and he could turn things around but I’m simply going off the fact that they are better than where they are.

“At the minute, they look so poor.”

Julen Lopetegui has limited time to save his West Ham job

Quite frankly, West Ham have a side that should be capable of challenging for the top eight in the Premier League at a bare minimum. The squad is plastered with talent in all areas of the pitch.

However, Lopetegui has them looking like potential relegation candidates and if things don’t improve soon, his position at the London Stadium will rapidly become untenable.

The Hammers’ goalless draw against Everton just epitomised his spell at the club so far, toothless and lacking threat.

West Ham United Julen Lopetegui
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui

The international break provides a minor boost to the Spaniard who will have a fortnight to get together with the majority of his squad and iron out the issues that have been preventing them from picking up the points necessary.

With Newcastle United and Arsenal up next for West Ham, they will have to be at their best to achieve a result and failure to do so could be the final nail in the coffin for Lopetegui.

In other West Ham news, the club are unsure when Niclas Fullkrug will return to action as concerns over his Achilles tendon injury grow.

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