David Ornstein moots ‘Huge’ fixture ahead for West Ham in new Julen Lopetegui verdict
West Ham United’s trip to Newcastle on 25 November could be “huge” for Julen Lopetegui’s future, David Ornstein has said.
In his reply to a comment on Threads (11 November), Ornstein said that while the Hammers retain faith in Lopetegui for the time being, he is under pressure to come away with something from St. James’ Park.
Lopetegui has won just three of his first 11 Premier League games in charge of the Irons this season, and Ornstein pointed out that fans could completely turn on the Spaniard if his side suffered another defeat.
He said: “They’re standing by Lopetegui for now but be in no doubt there’s increasing pressure and things need to improve.
“Sections of the fanbase seem to be turning and, as you say, the summer recruitment is drawing understandable scrutiny. Newcastle away on Monday 25th feels huge.”
Will West Ham United stick or twist with Julen Lopetegui?
The final international break of 2024 could prove to be the last extended period Lopetegui has with his squad at Rush Green without any matches to worry about, with a long winter ahead for the Hammers.
While Irons fans’ supposed “turning” on the manager appears to be in the form of apathy rather than protest [iNews, 12 November], there’s no denying that the pressure is growing on Lopetegui to start getting results.
Facing an in-form Newcastle side off the back of a dismal 0-0 draw with Everton is an ominous prospect for Lopetegui’s team, who are not playing to the levels they should be given this summer’s investment.
The Hammers began the Premier League’s managerial merry-go-round by sparking the end of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but Lopetegui could be next if performances don’t improve at St. James’.
Managers on the market are already starting to come and go, and if Lopetegui’s position becomes untenable in East London, the onus will be on the club’s board to make their decision at the right time.
In other West Ham news, Jamie O’Hara has slammed the club’s boardroom for missing out on a ‘perfect opportunity’ this summer.
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