Wolves make final Gary O’Neil sack decision ahead of West Ham game – John Percy
Gary O’Neil is to remain in charge of Wolves for their Premier League clash with West Ham, according to John Percy.
Writing via The Telegraph [5 December], Percy reports that O’Neil will be in the dugout at the London Stadium on Monday [9 December].
However, O’Neil’s position is viewed as “almost untenable” with Wolves actively seeking a replacement and not concerned about the financial implications of changing their manager.
This follows the news that Julen Lopetegui will also remain in charge for Monday’s Premier League showdown, with the West Ham boss under immense pressure himself [Nick Powell via Sky Sports News, 5 December, 2:58 pm].
Julen Lopetgui fighting for his West Ham future against Wolves?
It seems as though the losing manager on Monday could be on the chopping block at their respective club, which in some ways is bad news for Lopetegui.
While facing a team in poor form seems ideal when you’re fighting for your future, the fact that O’Neil is also fighting for his future complicates matters quite a bit.
Both managers will be desperate for a result, which means it will be a tense affair at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui believes he has achieved two of the three tasks set out to him when he took over as West Ham boss and will be hoping to prove to his employees that they should stick by him when his side play Wolves.
Supporters have already seen the 58-year-old pull a rabbit out of a hat once this season when his back was against the wall, with the Hammers beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the Premier League at St James’ Park [25 November] in what also felt like a make-or-break game for Lopetegui.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Hammers once again claim victory.
However, it could be argued that both Wolves and West Ham fans want their managers sacked, which will only add to the strange atmosphere in the upcoming clash between the two clubs.
In other West Ham news, the club have scheduled a press conference after the latest update on Lopetegui’s future.
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