Guido Rodriguez could now be days away from his West Ham career being over
West Ham flop Guido Rodriguez’s career in East London will be all-but over if Julen Lopetegui is sacked before January.
AS reported on 20 November that Real Betis, who released Rodriguez prior to his arrival art the London Stadium this summer, are keen on re-signing the Argentine due to a glut of injuries in their midfield.
Meanwhile, The Guardian have reported that Julen Lopetegui, who pushed the club’s hierarchy to sign Rodriguez [Daily Mail, 24 October], could be out of a job if the Irons don’t pick up results in their next two matches.
Rodriguez has been a regular in Lopetegui’s side so far this season for the Hammers, but if the Spaniard is sacked after their games against Newcastle United and Arsenal, an early exit could be on the cards.
West Ham United duo’s futures hanging in the balance
As the final international break comes to an end, leading into the longest uninterrupted period of the Premier League season, Lopetegui is arguably the most under-pressure of any top-flight manager.
Returning to domestic action against an in-form Newcastle, a clear lack of improvement in the Irons’ style of play will only see the wolves at Lopetegui’s door increase in number.
That requires changes to both the approach and team selection made by the Spaniard, one of which could be to bring Rodriguez, who has started all 11 league matches this season, out of the firing line.
Lopetegui’s seemingly blind faith in Rodriguez hasn’t helped to improve a languid and slow midfield combination at the London Stadium, which has been highlighted as the club’s biggest issue at present.
A return to Real Betis may be the best move for all parties once January comes around, and that’ll be a much easier decision for the Hammers to make if they do decide to give Lopetegui the boot.
In other West Ham news, one player has been tipped to overcome international disappointment and seal an exit from East London.
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