It’s not easy trying to cut through the fog surrounding West Ham at the moment, but it’s clear all is not well at the club despite conflicting reports on the future of Hammers gaffer Julen Lopetegui.
The Irons’ 0-0 draw with Everton was more a stay of execution than a miraculous escape for West Ham’s under-pressure head coach. It’s certainly not beyond the realms of possibility that we could lose the Premier League away fixture to Newcastle United after the international break—and that could really be the final straw for Lopetegui.
There’s talk of the board being patient and some reports that the club hierarchy is hopeful the Spaniard will remain at the London Stadium for the duration of his West Ham contract.
Hope is one thing, and expectation is quite another. I don’t believe for a second that the Irons’ board are 100% confident Lopetegui will turn things around. There must be doubts—major ones—because what’s being served up by Loppy and his coaching team is undoubtedly far less than what Sullivan and Křetínský thought they were getting.
The former Real Madrid boss has already lost the faith of many West Ham fans, though some still plead for time and patience. Unfortunately for “J-Lo,” his next two games are against Newcastle at St James’ Park, followed by Arsenal at home—and then we’re into December.
It could be argued that patience should be running thin, and at the very least, Lopetegui should be showing that his team and tactics have evolved since the season opener against Aston Villa.
All these things will weigh heavily on the minds of West Ham board members. If the Hammers’ gaffer can’t turn things around in the next two games, any preference for him to see out his contract may count for very little.
That last sentence scares me. Why would anyone elect to keep Lopetegui at West Ham given his performance (aka evidence) to date. He has been at the club for 5 months, claims to have done significant research into West Ham history past and present, and produced absolutely nothing in the pre-season. Those that were too blind to see the obvious then insisted he be given a chance and so here we are after 11 PL games, each one every bit as bad as the pre-season evidence suggested they would be. Amazingly, there are apparently still some who think he should hang around and inflict even more damage on West Ham. What the hell they are smoking I can only guess. Even if West Ham won there next 6 games, Lopetegui should not still have a job at the London Stadium. He has clearly demonstrated that he is not an accomplished coach, tactician or man manager and is nothing more than a huge mistake.
Shame you’re not on the interview panel Ray!
Spot on with your assessment 🎯
We seem to be a team divided – J-Lo vs Steiden and Sully vs Kretinsky
Maybe Sully is hoping that J-Lo will just walk away like he did at Wolves
It is important that when J-Lo goes we get a manager who can inspire the players (and if we are in the relegation zone at Xmas he will definitely go like Slaven and Pellegrini)
It really is disappointing how Sully keeps getting manager appointments wrong (Avram Grant, Pellegrini and now J-Lo)
COYI
The obvious problem is our owner, manager and Tim not being aligned.
Villa have harmony and success!
Sully, Brady and JLo are the biggest factors for this season unraveling so badly.
Sully is hoping Tim walks away IMO. Sully likes full control and Kretinsky appointing Tim took away some of his power.
JLo walking would be the most positive decision he could make at West Ham. With his credibility at an all time low, he won’t walk as who would be crazy enough to take him?! Maybe Saudi, they like big name failures.
Can I hope Steindten follows him out the door ASAP after what he brought in he is as much to blame
Soler and Rodriguez are JLo signings. Don’t be taken in by the propaganda as Sully tries to deflect his appointment and scapegoat Tim.
Look how well Bayer Leverkusen did with the owners, superb manager appointment (Alonso) and Tim’in charge of recruitment.
Can I hope Steindten follows him out the door ASAP after hat he brought in he is as much to blame
There’s nothing I’ve seen that makes me think we’ll get anything other than two definite defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal. I’d be amazed if Lopetegui turned anything around, there’s no sign of it. We look very able of shipping three or four and could do in either or both of the upcoming games. I cannot see him being around after Arsenal to be frank…
J-Lo must go . Most Westham fans are just hoping that against Arsenal and Newcastle we keep the score down to say 3-0 defeats . Dump him now and give the new manager or interim manager a little time and new guy bounce to spring a surprise and properly prepare for the winnable games that come just after .
Frank Lampard – bring him on.
It ain’t gonna happen. unless you are talking about his
Dad, I would like that ))))))
He is on a wind up mate.
He’s got to go today. No good waiting till weekend. Or after next teo games. Let’s try and salvage something of the season before it’s yo late.
As you mention, Gonzo, there are no positives to take because the bloke is clueless.
I fear a couple of right pastings against Newcastle and Arsenal, a 6-0 repeat of last season against the
Gooners is not out of the question…..
May turn out a blessing in disguise, though, as the boards’ hand will be forced as surely it will kick off massively. Shouldn’t have got to this stage, though, he should have gone a while ago.
85% of West Ham fans on the C&H poll have no confidence in the manager turning things around.
60,000 fans screaming for him to go at the final whistle with Sky Sports in attendance against Arsenal at home will tell Sully enough is enough!
Let’s hope they get shot of him, take stieden with him
I’d rather Sully & Brady disappeared with JLo tbh!
Let’s be honest , J-LO has no preferred style of play , it’s slow , no pressing and defending from the front . It’s so boring to watch . Come on with those players we should be doing much better , to many poor performances. He is clueless , sack him plus the players need to look at themselves . Should not get 1 more game in my opinion !
Look how Man Utd have instantly starting playing with more energy, passion and purpose since Ten Hag left!
Watch us transform when the 🤡 goes!