Jeff Stelling moots further unrest at West Ham after what he’s seen
Jeff Stelling believes there is still tension at West Ham United between Julen Lopetegui and the players after the 2-1 win against Wolves.
The Spaniard overcame his latest make-or-break test in East London with the victory against Wolves on Monday [9 December], but he still has much work to do at the Hammers to ensure his position is secure.
However, Stelling was unimpressed with the performance at the London Stadium and believes the existing problems at West Ham will cost the side against Bournemouth.
He said via the talkSPORT X account [12 December]: “I was not unduly impressed with West Ham beating Wolves last Monday night, and I get the impression there are still issues between the manager and some of the players.
“Bournemouth is a heck of a difficult place to go. They’ve won a lot of home games so far this season, they’re exciting, they’re exhilarating going forward. I think they’ll just have too much ammunition for West Ham, I’m going Bournemouth 2-1 West Ham.”
Julen Lopetegui is not out of the woods at West Ham United
TalkSPORT reported on 5 November that several first-team regulars at the Irons are not “fully on board” with Lopetegui’s methods amid a dressing room divide.
Each passing match proves this theory true, as the Irons continue taking two immediate steps back after putting one foot forward in the Premier League.
The Spaniard followed up victories against Manchester United and Newcastle United with defeats against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal. It is fair to say momentum has never been on Lopetegui’s side.
However, after overcoming Gary O’Neil in the “El Sackico”, fresh conditions have emerged for Lopetegui to retain his role in East London – he must record consistent results in the upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton [Sky Sports].
Therefore, the Irons players who are eager for a managerial change will soon come to light as the squad’s performances will be dissected in the games ahead.
Another defeat is not possible for Lopetegui and he now must do what he has yet been unable to achieve during his short-tenure in East London – win consecutive matches for the Hammers.
In other West Ham news, a Maxwel Cornet update has emerged at the Hammers in a Blackburn transfer twist.
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