Julen Lopetegui exit mooted already at West Ham United as Richard Keys hits out
Richard Keys has aimed a dig at West Ham technical director Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui after David Moyes’ London Stadium exit was confirmed.
The club confirmed [6 May] that the Scot is set to part ways with the Hammers once his contract expires at the end of the season, with Fabrizio Romano reporting via X that Lopetegui is set to take over.
Steidten and Moyes are said to not have had the best relationship while working together, which was emphasised when the former was banned from the West Ham dressing room and training ground.
Taking to X on Tuesday (7 May), Keys wrote: “You wouldn’t want Tim Steidten with you in the trenches. Sneaky weasel. I’ve worked with one like him. Nor Lopetegui.
“He’ll be off as soon as he gets a better offer. And unopposed West Ham’s management win Classless Act of the Season again. It’s a shame because it’s a great club.”
Richard Keys hits out at Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United
While some understand why Steidten began the search for a new manager before Moyes had left the building, the general consensus is that it was a really disappointing move from the technical director.
Moyes was certainly already aware of the immense pressure he has been under this season, especially for his defensive style of play and poor results, and already looking for a replacement will have been of no help whatsoever.
The Scot definitely deserves a lot more respect for his achievements with the Irons during his four-year spell at the London Stadium, having lifted the Europa Conference League title last season.
Of course, the results have not been good enough in the Premier League and domestic competitions, with fans calling for Moyes to be axed for months.
However, it was made clear that the manager would keep his place until the end of the season when he would be able to decide to step down himself.
With news of Lopetegui’s potential appointment surfacing before the club could even announce Moyes’ exit officially, it seems like a very naive move on Steidten’s part.
The Hammers will play Luton Town at the London Stadium in their penultimate game of the season on Saturday 11 May, and the hope will be that the stadium can show their love and respect for Moyes.
In other West Ham news, the club have been labelled “embarrassing” for the treatment of Moyes.
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