Troy Deeney amazed by West Ham development as Moyes name mentioned
Troy Deeney admits he is surprised Julen Lopetegui is still at the West Ham United helm and has compared the boss to his predecessor David Moyes.
Lopetegui was believed to be in the firing line heading into the 0-0 draw against Everton two week ago but was allowed to continue his duties throughout the international break and now faces a pivotal 10 days to avoid the sack [Jacob Steinberg].
However, Deeney discussed the Hammers boss live on talkSPORT [22 November, 12:54pm], with the former Premier League striker admitting he is in shock that the Spaniard remains in charge in East London.
“I didn’t think [Lopetegui would] be in the job now if I’m being totally honest,” he said.
“I was bashed at the start of the season for saying I didn’t think it was a good choice. I thought what he did at Wolverhampton [Wanderers] was very much in the David Moyes mould, defensive, trying to counter-attack teams and hitting them on the break.
“I thought their recruitment was poor in the summer and I think that midfield lacks legs, lacks mobility and when you start looking for it, you always end up going back to the same guys.”
Julen Lopetegui experiment at West Ham United must end
West Ham are now in a catch-22 situation at the London Stadium regarding what to do with Lopetegui.
The Spaniard is already harming the side’s upcoming transfer plans, with the Hammers now appearing to be an undesirable landing spot for Tim Steidten’s top targets.
However, the “hefty payoff” Lopetegui would receive [BBC Sport] should he be relieved of his duties has forced David Sullivan’s hand, but still, the owner may be willing to pull the trigger if he guarantees a sure-fire replacement.
The board underwent “internal checks” on several potential replacements over the international break [The Guardian], including Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and former Borussia Dortmund manager and Irons assistant manager Edin Terzic, as the hierarchy discussed the potential removal of Lopetegui.
West Ham head into the clash against Newcastle United on Monday [25 November] closer to the relegation zone than the European spots, and with a gruelling fixture schedule heading into the New Year, the Spaniard will likely make little or no progress in the league.
Therefore, Sullivan faces a decision that will ultimately decide the future of the Hammers – the financial hit will be nothing compared to the riches missed out on due to a prolonged absence from European football.
For now, the West Ham faithful will have to endure the Lopetegui era for however long it continues and potentially watch on as the East London outfit fight for Premier League survival this term.
In other West Ham news, Chris Sutton backs Newcastle United to achieve a 2024 first in the clash against the Irons.
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