David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui comparison made at West Ham United amid ‘worse version’ verdict
Rory Smith believes West Ham United have hired a “worse version” of David Moyes by bringing Julen Lopetegui to the London Stadium.
The Hammers have been well below par this season and find themselves 14th in the Premier League, just six points away from the relegation zone.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club in quotes relayed by BBC Sport (4 November), New York Times journalist Smith shared his thoughts on Lopetegui’s impact.
“If they had gone and got Thiago Motta from Bologna – who was playing an exciting brand of football with a side built on a budget – and the results and performances had been exactly the same, I don’t think West Ham fans would be putting him under any pressure whatsoever,” he said.
“It’s the fact they can tell that they have got a worse version of what they had before, with all of the bits they didn’t like about David Moyes.
“The West Ham fans were saying they didn’t like the style of football in the year they won the Conference League. Their complaints about David Moyes’ football were consistent. They never changed.”
David Sullivan will have a decision to make for West Ham United soon
Alongside Erik Ten Hag and Sean Dyche, Lopetegui has been one of the most scrutinised managers in the top flight this season and even though Ten Hag has been sacked, Dyche and the Spaniard still remain standing.
Everton and West Ham have been the two top-flight teams that have underperformed the most in the Premier League this season and for some, it’s a bit of a surprise to see both managers still in their jobs.
Lopetegui’s performance as the Hammers manager has undoubtedly been far worse than the Englishman’s due to the gulf in money both teams have spent.
Many fans and pundits alike have been hinting at his sacking for a good few months now with names such as Graham Potter’s linked with the role but as each week goes by, nothing seems to be done.
While Lopetegui’s job still seems safe for now, if West Ham can’t find a way to win consistently, it could be curtains for the former Wolves boss.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has shared his thoughts on whether Lopetegui should be sacked.
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.