West Ham United told to make Julen Lopetegui exit decision ahead of clash v Everton
Carlton Cole has told West Ham United that Julen Lopetegui has to be given more time ahead of the showdown with Everton.
The Hammers welcome Sean Dyche’s Toffees to the London Stadium on Saturday (9 November) with reports suggesting Lopetegui’s position may be assessed in the event of a defeat [Guardian, 6 November].
Although many fans and pundits alike have called for a change in the dugout, talkSPORT’s Cole has urged the Irosn to stand by Lopetegui suggesting it will only take a handful of results to change the mood.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (8 November, 23:12) he said: “All I can say is we’ve got to give it a bit more time.
“We’ve got to give it a bit more time because I know everyone is upset but if we get a couple of wins under our belt. Then you’ll see everyone’s mood start to change.”
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui amid London Stadium exit speculation?
While Hammers supporters are well within their rights to be frustrated with performances and results so far this season, it would be naive to assume that a change in the dugout would immediately solve all of the problems.
It is easy to forget that the second half of David Moyes’ final season at the London Stadium was also incredibly underwhelming as his side were repeatedly thrashed home and away and slipped down the table.
Lopetegui has had to pick up the pieces of that squad and although he spent a lot of money, some of his biggest signings like Niclas Fullkrug are yet to even get up and running in claret and blue.
If the Hammers do decide to part ways with the former Real Madrid manager, they will be going back to step one. It will be an admission that this season is a right off with next season the time for real change.
Of course, if Lopetegui’s position becomes untenable, the trigger may have to be pulled. West Ham aren’t at that point yet and it seems unlikely the Spaniard will be going anywhere anytime soon.
In other West Ham news, the Irons will be on red alert after a new Ademola Lookman transfer update emerged this season
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