Lopetegui told to hire good lawyer after West Ham behind-the-scenes twist
Graeme Souness has advised Julen Lopetegui to hire a good lawyer amid questions surrounding his future at West Ham.
Since joining the club in the summer, things have not gone well for the Spaniard and as the Hammers find themselves just six points above the relegation zone, this has created plenty of speculation regarding his position at the club.
As the East London outfit looks ahead to a game against Wolves on Monday [7 December], this is being seen by many as the end of the road for whichever manager fails to come out on top.
However, Souness has been critical of the pressure being put on the 58-year-old as he told the Daily Mail: “There’s a lot about the modern-day structure of a football club that I don’t like. We have a fixture on Monday between West Ham and Wolves which is being distastefully labelled ‘El Sackico’ because both managers’ jobs are at stake.
“West Ham appointed Julen Lopetegui in the summer and Wolves handed Gary O’Neil a new contract in August, yet here we are, in early December, talking about imminent sackings.
“It has got to the stage were the most important appointment a manager can make is a good lawyer. He’s the man who has to ensure the exit from your contract is financially advantageous, because you can almost guarantee it’s coming.”
Would West Ham be right to sack Julen Lopetegui?
Regardless of the result on Monday night, it feels as though Lopetegui’s days at the London Stadium are numbered as the Spaniard has failed to put his mark on the side and make any real impact at the club.
Nevertheless, Souness’ comments are not unfair either as he states that David Sullivan did make a choice to bring in the Spaniard after the departure of David Moyes and now there are conversations surrounding his contract at the club.
However, it also isn’t unfair to see supporters unhappy with what they are watching at the London Stadium this season with no improvement in the football they are seeing on the pitch, as well as a dangerous place in the table as a reward.
These comments more highlight the mistakes of the Hammers hierarchy as it shows that this was an ill-thought-out appointment. Therefore, if a decision to terminate the Spaniard’s contract is made, there is massive pressure on Sullivan’s shoulders to get the replacement right.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui has revealeded his stance on being sacked at the London Stadium.
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