Reports are beginning to emerge that West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug could return in time to face Arsenal on November 30.
With one game before then against Newcastle at St James Park on Monday, it could mean that the Hammers’ injury-prone summer signing from Borussia Dortmund might make his first start in what could be Julen Lopetegui’s last chance to save his job at West Ham.
Although the club has avoided issuing the usual ‘three more games’ ultimatum to their Spanish head coach, it seems unlikely that Lopetegui could lose the next two fixtures and remain in charge.
Therefore, Füllkrug’s return could be perfectly timed—or arrive too little too late—for the former Wolves, Madrid, and Spain manager, who is now under immense pressure.
Certainly, Lopetegui can consider himself unlucky to have been without his main striker, who has been sidelined since picking up an injury on international duty in September. It would be ironic and somewhat unfortunate if Lopetegui’s successor—whoever that may be—gets the luxury of a £27m striker as soon as they take over at West Ham.
Regardless of who the head coach is, Füllkrug remains unsettled in England. Even if his return to fitness coincides with saving Lopetegui’s job, it’s doubtful he’ll stay at the London Stadium long-term.
Can someone show me an article stating the manager has 3 more games to save his job
Cause I’ve not seen that anywhere,I wish it was true
But seems like a load of waffle to me
When will you realise that you have a crap team which was managed skilfully last 3 seasons which got results and European football but oh no not good enough
You had to have exciting attacking football
How in the world do you get that with the rabble you have 3 above average players the rest ordinary
Even Sir Alex couldn’t help you
So now you have to blame referees officials for any one except the clowns who spent all there energies running the most successful manager you had in 40 years
As they say careful what you wish for as no manager would be interested in coming to such a toxic environment at this club
Enjoy relegation where you may get your attacking exciting football next season
Unsettled he’s been in Germany more than here plus he only joined this season samecas Rodriguez..grown men whining on there sort of wages…I mean give it time ffs ….do our people not look in to stuff like this ..because all this I’m Unsettled bs is exactly bs …they been here 5 min …..I love to be Unsettled on 100 k a week ….
Fullkrug will almost certainly either appear as a sub or be subbed in his first game, after which he will take a while getting up to speed. I’d be amazed if Lopetegui is still around by the time we get to that stage as I don’t see any way we’ll be getting any points against Newcastle and Arsenal by which time our league position could look very precarious.
What absolute garbage! Yet another ludicrous suggestion that Lopetegui’s position should be salvageable in the first place, and secondly to talk about Fullkrug as if he were Jarrod Bowen, with a proven record and the ability to produce miracles, based on a mere 88 minutes of PL experience. Being selected to play in a central role is not the same as being the main striker, and his absence is certainly not the reason Lopetegui is a failure. Lopetegui has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is not what West Ham needs, a competent football coach. Now that the truth is out, how anyone can continue to consider him as a candidate for the job baffles me. Over one thousand minutes of PL games and (presumably) countless hours on the training ground, with absolutely nothing positive to show for it.
Crossed Irons and fingers that Niclas does return soon and makes a difference. He might need more help and support than others have had in this position but that is what Bowen, Summerville, Antonio & company are there for.
COYI
I’m not confident we won’t lose the next two games, nor do I believe there will be a change following them. What’s your source that suggests Lopetegui will get the bullet if we do?
He’s TOO old so let him go fgs
ffs, you are talking like he is the saviour !! he is so so slow, not cut out for the PL!
Yet another waste of money!
If he plays he’ll have to come back to the halfway line to see the ball !
Lops is dead man walking, why we’ve waited to get two more thrashings before any action is taken ( and with Sully, I’m not so sure it will) is beyond me.
One thing’s for sure, fans will be kicking off…..
Have you spoken with Fullkrug to arrive at your conclusion that he “remains unsettled” in the Uk? It has been reported elsewhere, from journalists that have actually interviewed him, that there is no substance to the rumours of him being unsettled.
More C&H misleading ‘journalism’?
It’ll take more than one player to save the day.