West Ham United trigger to sack Julen Lopetegui named as on-air ‘over the edge’ verdict issued
West Ham fans’ patience in Julen Lopetegui will be tipped “over the edge” in January if they are eliminated from the FA Cup early, says Adrian Durham.
The talkSPORT broadcaster, live on air with Perry Groves [3 November, 15:12], believes losing to a lower league side in the competition would bring the Spaniard the managerial axe.
Lopetegui has failed to get a tune out of his Hammers side since his summer appointment, with the club languishing 14th in the Premier League table following a heavy spell of investment.
Durham said: “When they go out of the FA Cup in the third round at Mansfield Town in January, that could be the end for Lopetegui.
“I’ve plucked [Mansfield] out of nowhere – they’re winning the FA Cup now. But as I’ve said, an in-form lower league team, who knows, but that could be what tips it over the edge with the West Ham fans.
“They were divided on David Moyes, they were probably all a bit unsure as to whether Lopetegui was the right man, but now they’re definitely wondering. It could take something like that which could lead to him being removed in January.”
Julen Lopetegui still has time at West Ham
When David Sullivan oversaw a drastic change in the footballing setup at his club over the summer, adopting a head coach model after Moyes’ departure, it was integral time was allowed for the new boss.
Tim Steidten is leading on the footballing operations and is essentially responsible for Lopetegui, who in turn holds accountability for the team he selects, who are performing considerably below par.
The Irons are still six points above the drop zone in the Premier League, but the issue was that Lopetegui was deemed a sideways move from Moyes and that a younger, more contemporary coach should have been installed.
Lopetegui’s appointment in the Steidten directorship, combined with over £100million in signings, brought with it pressure to succeed which accompanied excited anticipation from supporters.
But with just three wins from 10 and some horrendous performances along the way, very few Hammers fans are impressed with how it has turned out early doors, and Lopetegui has to turn it around in the weeks leading into the festive period.
In other West Ham news, Henry Winter tears into a Hammers star for his displays this term.
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