Paul Merson makes Lopetegui jibe ahead of West Ham United v Bournemouth
Julen Lopetegui keeping his job at West Ham United ahead of the Bournemouth clash isn’t encouraging, Paul Merson says.
The outspoken pundit believes that the Spaniard keeping his job after the 2-1 win over Wolves on 9 December wasn’t ideal for the Hammers.
Lopetegui would’ve likely been sacked had he lost to Gary O’Neil’s men [Daily Mail, 12 December], and it remains to be seen what the 58-year-old’s future holds as Merson predicts a 3-1 defeat for the Irons at the Vitality Stadium on Monday [16 December].
In his Sportskeeda column [12 December], the 56-year-old wrote: “I’m going to say that the win over Wolves was a bad result for West Ham, and that’s only because it keeps Julen Lopetegui on the job.
“I’m sure most of the fans feel the same way as me. It prolongs his stay, and that’s not very promising for them if I’m being honest.
“I can’t see them beating Bournemouth here. Five out of six games they play after Christmas are all London derbies. I’m not sure how they will fare in all of them. This could end up being a very difficult run for Lopetegui, maybe the one that finally costs him his job.”
Julen Lopetegui done if West Ham lose to Bournemouth
David Sullivan will have no choice but to pull the trigger on the Spanish head coach if the Hammers lose to the Cherries.
The East London club have had an abysmal start to the season, sitting 14th in the Premier League table despite boasting a quality squad.
Before the 2024/25 campaign commenced, fans expected the Irons to be challenging for a European berth after Tim Steidten made impressive acquisitions in the summer transfer market.
West Ham have not only failed to deliver results, but the performances have been below par, and the London Stadium faithful have already expressed their feelings regarding Lopetegui.
On 3 December, the Hammers fans chanted for the Spaniard’s sacking at King Power as Leicester beat the East London club 3-1.
The Irons’ hierarchy have prolonged the 58-year-old’s tenure long enough, and it’s time for them to part ways with him.
A loss to Bournemouth will be the final nail in the coffin, and the board will have no excuses to keep Lopetegui in the dugout.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged from Real Sociedad regarding the transfer of Carlos Soler.
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