West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui finds himself in the hot seat amid media speculation suggesting his job could be at risk.
Typically, a new coach or manager would enjoy a honeymoon period before their results and tactics come under intense scrutiny. Unfortunately for Lopetegui, he may not be afforded the usual grace period, largely due to a media machine that seems overly eager to say “we told you so” following David Moyes’ departure from the club.
Some of the mainstream media’s biggest hitters appear to be lining up to criticise the former Real Madrid coach, and even West Ham fans themselves, seen as the reason for Moyes’ exit from London Stadium.
There is a perception that Moyes was unwanted at West Ham solely because his football was unattractive. This is clearly an oversimplification of what was a far more nuanced reasoning, but unfortunately, it’s being used as a tool to bring Lopetegui under pressure far more quickly than he should be.
In many respects, the circus is very much back in town in East London, and as a West Ham fan, it’s distressing to see us become a laughingstock again.
Lopetegui supposedly conducted extensive due diligence on the Hammers before joining, so one can only assume that the current circumstances will come as no surprise to him. However, the crosshairs are now firmly on him, and it certainly feels as if far too many outsiders are just waiting for him to fail.
The fact that the Spaniard shouldn’t be under pressure so early in his tenure with the Irons has, unfortunately, become irrelevant. Losses against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, followed by a defeat away to Brentford, could see the pressure become intolerable.