Julen Lopetegui job review on cards at West Ham United as timeframe emerges on potential sack
West Ham could review Julen Lopetegui’s job security if there is not an improvement by Christmas, Jacob Steinberg reports.
According to the Guardian journalist via the paper’s website on 21 October the Spaniard is under major pressure due to poor results but isn’t in danger of losing his job imminently.
The Irons face Manchester United on Sunday (27 October) as the first of nine games between now and Christmas, with a 10th on Boxing Day at Southampton.
West Ham currently sit 15th in the Premier League in the wake of the 4-1 loss at Tottenham on 19 October, winning just twice in eight games, and the hierarchy’s support for the new manager could change if the situation hasn’t picked up in the next two months.
David Sullivan backs West Ham boss as things stand
If the past couple of years have proven anything at the London Stadium it is that the Irons board don’t exactly move swiftly and decisively when it comes to changing managers.
However, the choice on whether to move on from David Moyes came against a backdrop of a previous track record of success in charge, and a European trophy win that altered the situation.
So far Lopetegui hasn’t really achieved anything in charge of the Hammers so it should be a much easier decision if the time comes.
It is probably right not to pull the plug yet when Tim Steidten has just signed so many players for the new man, and part of the £100million-plus spend could be wasted if they are not be fancied by a replacement.
But with the German facing questions behind the scenes himself, according to Steinberg, it is clear that the current struggles weren’t expected as necessary growing pains.
They may turn out to be that if Lopetegui and the new signings finally click, but based on the opening weeks of the campaign there won’t be huge confidence that he can avoid a job review between now and 25 December.
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports pundits clashed live on air after controversy around the Hammers.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.