West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

Lopetegui now in serious danger of West Ham United sack in next 10 days

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Published on:

20 Nov 2024, 1:16 pm

Julen Lopetegui is facing the sack within the next 10 days with a "serious prospect" that West Ham now pull the trigger on his tenure, Jacob Steinberg has said.

The Guardian journalist reported for the newspaper's website (20 November) that the Hammers have been using the international break to look at replacements for the Spaniard, who was only appointed as David Moyes' successor in the summer.

Steinberg said much of Lopetegui's chances will hinge on the Hammers' next two games against Newcastle United on Monday (25 November) and Arsenal a week on Saturday (30 November), though a poor result in the former may force the club's hand sooner.

Julen Lopetegui on the brink at West Ham

There was a feeling among a large section of the fanbase that the time was right to move on from David Moyes, even among those who acknowledged what a fine job he did at the London Stadium.

But the decision to replace him with former Wolves boss Lopetegui certainly raised eyebrows, even though he does have the likes of Real Madrid, Spain and Sevilla on his resume.

For many, it did not exactly represent an upgrade on Moyes, nor did it really mark a change in direction from the pragmatic style of football often employed by the Scot.

Julen Lopetegui is off to a rocky start at West Ham United. (Credit: Imago)

An extensive - and indeed expensive - summer recruitment drive brought plenty of promise but an underwhelming campaign thus far, which sees West Ham 14th in the table, means the pressure is on to turn it around and turn it around quick.

It does feel as though the club need to rectify a huge mistake and fast. Lopetegui is surely on the brink now.

In other West Ham news, Liverpool's stance on a move for Mohammed Kudus has emerged.

West Ham United

Julen Lopetegui