Julen Lopetegui makes big request to David Sullivan as West Ham speculation swirls

But when it comes after an unconvincing start to a new era which has garnered just three wins in 10 games, concerns are justifiable.

Julen Lopetegui was always going to be on a hiding to nothing with some factions of the media and West Ham fanbase.

There’s no doubting the Scot is a tough act to follow in east London.

Even if it could be argued many of the problems the Hammers are enduring this season are his fault.

Lopetegui inherited the smallest and second oldest squad in the Premier League.

He and Tim Steidten set about improving it with nine new signings while 12 were shipped out.

One thing that should have been a relatively easy win for the Spaniard is West Ham’s style of play.

Supporters were sick to the back teeth of Moyes’ risk averse, low-block tactics regardless of the opposition.

Improving upon that – even just aesthetically – should be pretty simple for a top coach.

And journalist Guillem Balague continues to tell anyone who will listen West Ham now have ‘one of the best in the world’ in Lopetegui.

Lopetegui makes big request to West Ham chief Sullivan

There are already two distinct camps forming in east London.

Those who believe Lopetegui deserves much more time to implement his style of play and get results.

And those who feel they have already seen enough – that a lack of any sign of progress means Lopetegui was the wrong choice.

The drubbing at Spurs has reignited speculation Lopetegui could be sacked if results and performances don’t drastically improve soon.

How long is long enough? How long is too long?

The saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day” speaks to the famous city’s gradual growth over the course of centuries.

There isn’t a universally agreed-upon time span for exactly how long it took to “build” Rome, as it evolved continuously over time.

It took centuries for Rome to develop from its founding into the iconic city it is today.

But Lopetegui has just two years – three if he can get West Ham back into Europe.

In this particular analogy Hammers majority owner David Sullivan is Julius Caesar – the man who will ultimately decide Lopetegui’s fate.

‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’

Now the head coach has asked Sullivan ‘lend me your ears’ as he makes a plea to the Hammers chief.

Lopetegui has made a big request to Sullivan as West Ham speculation swirls.

The beleaguered Hammers boss has urged Sullivan to give him the whole season before casting his judgement.

That’s according to The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas.

The West Ham reporter spoke to Lopetegui in the bowels of Tottenham’s stadium as the dust settled on the shambolic capitulation.

Thomas reveals Lopetegui has asked the powers that be and fans to ‘judge him in May’.

And he has pledged to look at his own performance as manager as he strives to prove he is the right man to lead the big West Ham rebuild.

“Post-match, Lopetegui apologised to supporters and offered reassurance that performances will improve,” Thomas said.

“He wants doubters to reserve judgement until May. It sounds good in theory, but the adage that actions speak louder than words comes to mind.”

Lopetegui fate will be decided by West Ham’s Caesar

Thomas then relayed the words from the man himself.

“The message is we are sure we will have better moments,” Lopetegui said.

“The Premier League is very long and we knew we had a hard start. But we are going to improve. I am sure about this…

“We have to do better. Maybe I have to improve, too, my translation with my players.”

Lopetegui was Sullivan’s appointment – in agreement with the rest of the board and Steidten.

The West Ham chief told Hammers News ‘he’s a real pro’ when he was appointed in the summer.

So expect Lopetegui’s plea to grant him some grace.

Whether that will be extended as far as the end of the season will almost certainly depend on results and performances between now and Christmas.

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