Julen Lopetegui sack admission made ahead of West Ham United v Wolves
Julen Lopetegui is under more pressure than Gary O’Neil ahead of the West Ham United and Wolves clash, Aaron Lennon says.
The former Tottenham attacker hasn’t been impressed with what he’s seen from the Spanish head coach, with the 53-year-old given another chance by the Hammers’ hierarchy on 9 December against O’Neil [Fabrizio Romano, 5 December].
Tim Steidten signed quality players to reinforce the squad in the summer, but Lopetegui has failed to bring the best out of them, and fans have made their feelings known — chanting for his sacking at the King Power on 3 December.
Speaking on talkSPORT [9 December, 9:55] ahead of the fixture at London Stadium, Lennon said: “They’ve spent a lot of money, West Ham. They bought in a lot of players. Which also takes time. And with the new manager coming in. But they’ve had some really poor performances. The fans, you can see, are really unhappy.
“I watched them a few times this season, and I’m trying to still figure out what his style is and what he’s brought to the team, as in which way they want to play. I’m not quite getting that from him at the minute. I’d say he’s slightly under more pressure (compared to Gary O’Neil).”
Julen Lopetegui needs West Ham United statement against Wolves
A win alone on Monday won’t be enough for the fans, and the Irons need to make a statement at home with a dominant win over Wolves.
Apart from the poor results this season, Lopetegui has failed to make his team perform consistently at a high standard.
The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table, and considering the investments the East London club made in the previous transfer window, his management has been nowhere near good enough.
With the talent West Ham have in their squad, many expected them to challenge for a European berth, but instead, the Hammers are closing in on a relegation battle.
Lopetegui clearly isn’t the right man for the job at the Irons, and the hierarchy at the East London club needs to come to a consensus on his successor immediately before things get worse.
The London Stadium faithful have had enough of the Spaniard, and they’ll surely make their point if the Wolves manage to get the better of the Hammers.
The 53-year-old’s sacking feels inevitable at this point, and only a winning streak will help him stay in the job.
In other West Ham news, Yuri Alberto’s new transfer fee has been revealed.
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