Stan Collymore calls Julen Lopetegui ‘absolute disgrace’ amid new West Ham United manager developments
Stan Collymore has slammed West Ham United for their treatment of David Moyes while also criticising Julen Lopetegui for his Wolves exit.
Moyes is set to take charge of his final game as Hammers boss as his side travel to face Manchester City on Sunday (19 May).
His replacement is reportedly to be announced once the season is over [The Athletic] with Lopetegui being the likely candidate.
In a column for CaughtOffside (17 May), Collymore has slammed the club and the Spaniard for their recent conduct.
He said: “Do I believe that David Moyes’ time at West Ham is up? Yes, but the way in which West Ham have done it is absolutely shambolic.
“All clubs talk to potential new managers behind the current incumbents’ back, that’s just a given, but in Lopetegui in particular, I think to myself are their better options out there and I think there probably are.
“The way that he walked out on Wolves was an absolute disgrace regardless of what promises he was made.”
Is Julen Lopetegui right for West Ham United?
The Hammers fans were likely thinking of a more glamourous name like Ruben Amorim when looking over the reported managerial candidates.
Lopetegui is certainly a steady pair of hands as long as West Ham treat him right and they don’t have another Wolves situation on their hands.
In recent weeks he has been likened to Unai Emery, who has done a terrific job in securing Champions League football with Aston Villa.
The former Real Madrid and Spain coach analyses his opponents and sets up his team to combat their strengths.
Some might suggest that this offers too much respect to who you are playing but in the Premier League, every team poses a threat.
The issue comes when fans consider what would be classed as a successful campaign next time around with a guaranteed ninth-place finish this year.
Lopetegui could carry the Hammers back into Europe but that was what Moyes had done season-on-season, so the timing of his departure remains odd to some.
In other West Ham news, one player is ready to quit the club this summer.
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