Hjulmand told to wait for Lopetegui sack amid ‘Fantastic’ West Ham admission
West Ham United is a project worth waiting for as Kasper Hjulmand is linked with succeeding the under-pressure Julen Lopetegui, according to Allan Kuhn.
Speaking on ViaPlay (17 December), the former Midtjylland and Malmo manager urged out-of-work ex-Denmark boss Hjulmand to sit on his hands until the London Stadium job potentially becomes vacant.
Hjulmand is reportedly one of several names on a shortlist compiled by Hammers higher-ups as potential successors to Lopetegui, who has frequently been on the brink of losing his job in East London.
In quotes reported by TBR Football (18 December), Kuhn said: “It will be a fantastic opportunity. They have many resources and a fantastic team, not least offensively.
“It will be a team where he has the opportunity to succeed.
“I don’t think (the position being vacant) is just around the corner. But (Hjulmand) really needs to stick around if this can be a possibility.”
Kasper Hjulmand can unlock West Ham if Lopetegui shown the door
Hjulmand has been linked with several managerial vacancies since leaving his role with the Danish national team after Euro 2024, not least the job at Southampton in the wake of Russell Martin’s sacking.
The London Stadium’s dugout remains occupied for now, with Lopetegui’s side avoiding defeat in their last two games by beating relegation-threatened Wolves and drawing with Bournemouth last time out.
However, the Spaniard is far from out of the woods, and defeat to Brighton in their next match could put Lopetegui back to square one as the Irons’ hierarchy debate showing him the door in the near future.
Of the four-man shortlist drawn up by Tim Stiedten to potentially replace Lopetegui – one of which, Edin Terzic, has already ruled himself out [Florian Plettenberg, 5 December] – Hjulmand is perhaps the most intriguing.
The Dane could well be the Hammers’ choice to kick-start their new era firmly into life, and if he can get several disgruntled players back onside, who knows how far their new-look squad can go.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are preparing a bid to sign a “prized” Championship striker in the January transfer window.
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