West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
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Julen Lopetegui to start West Ham United role for free as start date shared

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Julen Lopetegui will not officially start his role as West Ham head coach until 1 July this summer, according to Sean Whetstone.

The journalist reported via his West Ham Football X account [23 May] that, although the Spaniard has been announced as David Moyes' successor, he will not begin his role until July.

It is understood that any work Lopetegui does in May and June before the players return to the London Stadium will be done for free, as the squad leave for their holidays.

Julen Lopetegui begins West Ham United rebuild ahead of time

Lopetegui is likely to make multiple changes upon his arrival at the London Stadium, and with the number of criticisms this season, it could be a very busy summer for him and his team.

There could be several transfer outgoings in the next few months, which could leave the Spaniard high and dry if he is not able to bring in the correct replacements.

Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen have all been linked with moves away already, and the departure of any of these stars could have a detrimental effect on next season.

Lopetegui will be keen to keep many of the squad members together as the Hammers enter a new era at the London Stadium but will need time to work out which players are worth selling on.

Many of the West Ham faithful are unsure about Lopetegui's appointment but working for free throughout the summer should offer some confidence to those fans as he puts in the effort to push the Irons forward.

Considering his experience in the Premier League, coaching Wolves up the league table before his eventual departure before the 2023/24 campaign, David Sullivan must ensure he backs the manager in the transfer market.

Fans are already aware of what can happen if Lopetegui is not given enough reign on the summer transfers, having left Molineux Stadium three days before the start of the season due to disagreement.

Things will be very different at the London Stadium this time around, and the manager is keen to get started after a rollercoaster finale season under Moyes.

In other West Ham United news, one of Moyes’ family members is being cut loose by Lopetegui and Tim Steidten at the London Stadium.

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West Ham United
Julen Lopetegui
Sean Whetstone
www.westhamzone.com