Lopetegui can silence Paul Merson after what he said about Bournemouth v West Ham
Julen Lopetegui has the opportunity to make Paul Merson eat his words after what he said about West Ham ahead of their clash with Bournemouth.
Since his summer arrival, the Spaniard has struggled to get his side going this season and they currently sit just nine points ahead of the relegation zone.
This has been a big disappointment for supporters who were watching their side win the Europa Conference League in 2023.
After the departure of David Moyes, the Hammers were looking for a lift in the style of football they play but this hasn’t happened under the 58-year-old.
As a result, there have been plenty of questions surrounding his future with succession plans being put in place behind the scenes.
The Hammers face Bournemouth on Monday [16 December] in a game that could be Lopetegui’s last if they lose.
Merson held nothing back as he wrote in his Sportskeeda column [12 December]: “I’m going to say that the win over Wolves was a bad result for West Ham, and that’s only because it keeps Julen Lopetegui on the job.
“I’m sure most of the fans feel the same way as me. It prolongs his stay, and that’s not very promising for them if I’m being honest.
“I can’t see them beating Bournemouth here. Five out of six games they play after Christmas are all London derbies. I’m not sure how they will fare in all of them. This could end up being a very difficult run for Lopetegui, maybe the one that finally costs him his job.”
Julen Lopetegui has doubters to prove wrong at West Ham
The saga around Lopetegui’s future at the London Stadium feels like it has been going on for a while now and every time it seems as though David Sullivan might make the decision to part ways with the boss, his side gets a result that seems to keep him in the job.
After their win against Wolves in a clash that was being labelled as ‘El Sackico’, this was supposedly enough to give the 58-year-old more time at the helm.
However, with the way conversations have continued in the background since then, it now feels as though they are waiting for an excuse to come to make this call.
Merson feels this is something that will be coming on Monday and suggests that this being dragged out is damaging to the club.
That being said, the Spanish manager will no doubt be keen on going to the Vitality and picking up another three points as he aims to turn his side’s fortunes around.
If the Hammers do win the game, this will surely prolong Lopetegui’s spell in East London but he has to build on this result and ensure he makes the doubters eat their words, showing that he is not what is causing the club harm.
In other West Ham news, Paul Merson has sent an “unbelievable” message to Michail Antonio.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.