West Ham United sack decision on Lopetegui emerges for Manchester United clash
There are no suggestions that Julen Lopetegui will lose his job if West Ham United lose against Manchester United this weekend, according to Sami Mobkel.
The Daily Mail journalist reported via the newspaper’s website (Thursday, 24 October) that the Spaniard was already on “thin ice” going into the international break after managing just two wins in his first seven league games in charge of the club.
There is growing pressure on Lopetegui to turn things around at the London Stadium, with the Irons suffering a further defeat at the hands of Tottenham last weekend. However, a loss against Manchester United at home on Sunday (27 October) may not be the nail in the coffin for him like many expect.
Owner David Sullivan’s reluctance to sack managers, which would cost the club millions in severance pay, is likely to keep the former Sevilla boss in the job for now.
Time running out for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United
West Ham hoped for a new era when they replaced David Moyes with Lopetegui ahead of the 2024-25 season. However, they now face the prospect of battling relegation as they sit 15th in the table after eight games, just five points above the drop zone.
It must have come as a surprise to at least a few when Roshane Thomas of The Athletic reported earlier this week (20 October) that the manager retains the “full support” of the board despite the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham in North London.
While West Ham appear to be backing Lopetegui publicly, they are seemingly working on potential replacements behind the scenes as evidenced by their interest in Edin Terzic (Patrick Berger, 22 October).
It would be smart of the Hammers to discreetly draw up a list of replacements in case the former Wolves boss fails to turn things around.
The start to the season has been particularly disappointing as the Irons invested a significant amount of money in the transfer window, signing the likes of Niclas Fullkrug, Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten has, meanwhile, arranged for a defender to arrive at the club.
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