Simon Jordan shares immediate reaction live on air as West Ham United announce Julen Lopetegui
Simon Jordan has shared his immediate reaction after West Ham United announced the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new manager.
The Hammers revealed in an official statement on Thursday (23 May) that the former Real Madrid manager had penned a two-year deal at the London Stadium, with an option of a 12-month extension.
Lopetegui’s appointment has been met with some scepticism from supporters and while Jordan admits he has had success earlier in his career, he believes the former Wolves boss has a “a lot to say for himself”.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Thursday (23 May, 11:05) he said: “I don’t know, he is someone that has managed big clubs and he’s somebody who comes with a perception that you’re going to do big things.
“I do think there is a balance between what he might have been told and what he subsequently found himself in at Wolverhampton Wanderers and there may be some legitimacy in the fact that he was sold a pup.
“With that in mind, he goes to West Ham. I think David Moyes did a pretty spectacular job for most of the time he was at West Ham in terms of what they were when he inherited them.
“This guy coming in, he’s one of those that has a lot to say for himself about what he’s entitled to and what he thinks he should get. With that in mind, we will see if the reputation of this manager manifests itself in an outcome.
“I don’t know, he’s one of those.”
Will West Ham United spend big under Julen Lopetegui in the summer transfer window?
It was clear that the Hammers needed a change in the dugout this summer and while a number of people will tell West Ham fans to be careful what they wish for, this is the natural progression following Moyes’ exit.
Lopetegui may not be the most attacking and dynamic manager, but he does have a knack for winning things throughout his career and should he hit the ground running in East London, he could help the Hammers kick on.
While there is a bit of a cloud hanging over the Spaniard because of the manner of his exit at Molineux, it is harsh to hold that over him when most pundits and fans don’t truly know the nature of the discussions between him and the Wolves board.
Hopefully, the Irons will back their new manager in the summer transfer window and build a squad capable of competing for the European places once again. It won’t be easy, but it will certainly be exciting.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged on whether the Hammers will receive a bonus for Gianluca Scamacca’s Europa League win
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