Credit: Imago]

Julen Lopetegui sack decision made at West Ham United after friction behind the scenes

Tue 1 October 2024 21:15, UK

West Ham United are set to keep faith with Julen Lopetegui for the time being due to not having an obvious replacement lined up, according to Dean Jones.

The GiveMeSport journalist posted on X (1 October) to report that despite “signs of friction” at the London Stadium following the Irons’ poor start, Lopetegui’s job is safe for the time being.

Lopetegui has overseen just one victory in his six Premier League matches in charge of the Irons thus far, with Chelsea and Liverpool inflicting heavy defeats on his side in the Premier League and EFL Cup respectively.

However, with no “obvious plan B” in place to step into the breach, the Hammers hierarchy is set to stick with Lopetegui despite an acceptance that their start has been significantly below expectations.

Julen Lopetegui could be on borrowed time already at West Ham

Although he’s only eight games into his career in the London Stadium dugout – with six in the league and a further two in the EFL Cup – Lopetegui’s reign has shown very few signs of progress thus far.

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While many a manager, particularly one whose squad has undergone such sweeping changes, will start slowly, the lack of progression from David Moyes’ style of play or results has been alarming.

West Ham look set to stick with Lopetegui for now

There are signs of friction in the camp and results/performances have not been good enough

But they do not have an obvious Plan B to turn to and Lopetegui is likely to get a chance to turn things around
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) October 1, 2024

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A new-look defence, much-need after Moyes’ side leaked 74 league goals last season, has still conceded at will, with 10 shipped and just six scored at the other end in the Premier League.

Giving Lopetegui more time to implement his strategy could prove to be a double-edged sword for the Hammers, who cannot afford to risk a relegation battle following a summer of heavy spending.

However, with the squad this spending has created, any new manager – should the club choose to sack Lopetegui – will aim to be the person who can kick-start an exciting project in East London.

In other West Ham news, one Irons star said he was “ashamed” after what happened early on in the draw at Brentford on Saturday.

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