Harry Redknapp shares Julen Lopetegui verdict in message to West Ham United
West Ham have to be patient with Julen Lopetegui despite their “disappointing” start to the season, Harry Redknapp has said.
Speaking on talkSPORT (11 November, 8:54am), Redknapp said Lopetegui must be given more time as he aims to build on the “great job” done by David Moyes during his time at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui’s side have won just three of 11 Premier League games so far this season and were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Liverpool, but Redknapp argued that the players need to take more responsibility.
He said: “They’ve had a disappointing season so far and the manager’s copping it.
“They’ve got to be patient. David Moyes did a great job there – they can’t suddenly go and kick another manager out, they’ve got to give him time.
“His record; he’s managed at the very, very top level, so I think at the moment the players need to take a good look at theirselves, and the ones that he’s bought need to start performing to the standard that they were bought for.”
Julen Lopetegui running out of time to turn West Ham form around
While the Irons board will feel inclined to back Lopetegui for the time being – given they gave him well over £120million to spend in the summer – the eye test is not a forgiving one for the 58-year-old.
Brought in to develop and improve upon the pragmatic but effective style of play employed by Moyes, Lopetegui has only brought pragmatism in attack, with a lack of goals scored but plenty being conceded.
Only a last-ditch Crysencio Summerville intervention prevented the Hammers from conceding early in their 0-0 draw against Everton on 9 November, with Danny Ings going close at the other end late on.
Those advocating for the return of Moyes may be shouting into the wind, but it’s undeniable that unless the style of football and results improve, Lopetegui will soon be following him out of the door.
Few Premier League managers have been backed quite like Lopetegui was in his first transfer window at the London Stadium, and the onus remains on him to get the best out of his new-look Hammers squad.
In other West Ham news, Andy Townsend highlighted what he thinks is the biggest problem Lopetegui has at the London Stadium.
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