Jeff Stelling hits back at new Julen Lopetegui claim at West Ham United live on talkSPORT
Jeff Stelling has hit back after a West Ham fan claimed Julen Lopetegui was a “cheap” appointment at the London Stadium.
The Hammers were linked with several managers to replace David Moyes during the summer, such as Graham Potter and Paulo Fonseca [Caught Offside], with the former Wolves man eventually being chosen.
While there is little information about the financial side of Lopetegui’s two-year deal at the London Stadium [BBC Sport], Stelling has argued against a fan calling his appointment “cheap”.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Monday (21 October, 8:08am), Stelling said: “Cheap option? He was the manager of Spain and Real Madrid. I don’t think he’s cheap.
“But I do wonder if West Ham fans are regretting David Moyes…”
Julen Lopetegui under pressure after West Ham United loss v Tottenham
The Hammers looked on for an upset at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Mohammed Kudus fired them ahead in the first half, but it was too good to be true for Lopetegui’s men.
Eventually losing 4-1 on Saturday 19 October, the new manager is under immense pressure to turn things around at the London Stadium, especially given they are currently in fifteenth place.
With just two wins from their first eight league matches, losing four of them, the Hammers are just five points above the relegation zone, which is rather unexpected following quite an exciting transfer window.
Of course, many will argue that fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Spurs were always going to be difficult for the Irons to claim points, but the overall displays have been poor.
Matches do not get any easier for Lopetegui, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Everton, West Ham and Arsenal upcoming, and many fans are already fed up with the new appointment.
In other West Ham news, Richard Keys has urged a transfer target to join a different club, “If I’m him…”.
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