Julen Lopetegui exit update emerges at West Ham United as replacements already lined up
West Ham United have completed background checks on three potential replacements for Julen Lopetegui, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported on Wednesday (6 November) that the Hammers will review the Spaniard’s position at the London Stadium if they suffer a defeat against Everton on Saturday (9 November).
Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness, former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand and ex-Benfica manager Roger Schmidt have all been considered by the Hammers if they make the decision to part ways with Lopetegui.
While Hoeness would be an appealing option, he is viewed as an “unrealistic” target as his Stuttgart side are currently competing in the Champions League.
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui amid London Stadium exit speculation?
Lopetegui may still be the West Ham manager at this moment in time, but it feels as though the Spaniard’s position is becoming less and less secure with each passing minute.
While no decision has yet been taken over the former Wolves manager’s future, the fact that checks are already being carried out over potential replacements at the London Stadium suggests that he is on borrowed time.
Other than Hoeness, the alternative options aren’t particularly appealing. Ultimately, that is the price the Hammers will have to pay if they do decide to make a change in the dugout at this stage of the season.
Most sought-after managers will have clubs by this time of the year. Unless The Irons have the ability to lure Jurgen Klopp away from his sabbatical or convince Graham Potter to dust off his boots, the options are less than inspiring.
Nobody wants to see a manager sacked in an ideal world and most fans will be hoping that Lopetegui finds a way to get back to winning ways against Everton. If he doesn’t, it feels like he will almost certainly pay with his job.
In other West Ham news, Howard Webb has admitted to an “error” amid the latest Manchester United controversy.
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