Many have been critical of West Ham’s Technical Director Tim Steidten for his ‘dabbling’ into Lopetegui’s area of responsibility and blurring the edges of the job roles of both Head Coach and Technical Director. Indeed, I have written before about Steidten being only too happy to take the media spotlight before games – Chelsea springs to mind – but then be nowhere to be seen come the dreadful result.
The images that were shared before the Manchester United game have produced a bit of a rethink on my part. Before what was a ‘must – win’ game labelled as ‘El Sackio’ with the losing coach quite possibly headed for the door, it would have been easy for Steidten to hide away and leave Lopetegui to sink or swim.
So, as you can see, full marks to him, he was out and about during the warm – up and even had a word for Manchester United’s beleaguered coach – subsequently sacked after the loss – Eric ten Hag.
Maybe this was a signal that ‘we were all in it together’ and a conciliatory gesture to Julen Lopetegui after the torrid week’s headlines. After all, the majority of the team out warming up were Steidten picks or signings. I choose to see this as a positive, unifying sign – it would have been easy for Tim Steidten to steer well clear and hide in the directors’ box.
Credit to him for showing his face and his support for the head coach – I’ve been very critical in the past so maybe time to show an open mind.
Lopetegui’s challenge is to see it the same way – as ‘support’ for the head coach – rather than justmeddling in affairs pertaining to the squad on a match day and therefore J’Lo’s remit.
Maybe he is after a similar job at Man Utd, there are many ways you can read his actions 😊
Always look on the bright side of life!