It’s not only Edin Terzic West Ham have in mind to replace Julen Lopetegui if he can’t turn things around according to a journalist.
Julen Lopetegui has been left in no doubt he must start to get a tune out of his expensively assembled West Ham team.
The 4-1 defeat at Spurs has turned up the heat on the Spaniard.
First came the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ leaked to a club insider at the start of the week.
Then it was claimed by a German journalist that West Ham have put former assistant coach Edin Terzic on standby to replace Lopetegui.
Jose Mourinho was tipped as a potential future candidate by pundits after comments he made on Thursday night.
But Hammers News already revealed earlier this year that the current ownership would never consider appointing the Portuguese.
A question about Mourinho also got short shrift from Lopetegui in his latest West Ham press conference.
West Ham ready to approach 49-year-old to replace Lopetegui
Both Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag are under pressure as West Ham face Manchester United.
Ironically Terzic has also been linked with Man United ahead of the clash.
There is a growing feeling that a heavy defeat for either manager on Sunday may prove to be curtains.
It seems the Hammers hierarchy are certainly preparing for a worst case scenario.
That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to Hammers News.
Bailey exclusively revealed to us earlier this year that David Sullivan chose Lopetegui after being bowled over by him during the interview process.
Sullivan has since described Lopetegui as ‘a real pro’ when speaking to Hammers News.
So he is understandably keen to give the 57-year-old more time to turn things around.
Just two wins from eight Premier League games makes for grim reading.
Especially given the club’s stated aim is to try and qualify for Europe this season after spending £155m on nine new players.
Lopetegui will have to start getting results, though.
Because West Ham are ready to approach an adored 49-year-old to replace Lopetegui Bailey has claimed.
Earlier this week Hammers News suggested West Ham must go after Sergio Conceicao if they decide to part company with Lopetegui.
Journalist confirms Conceicao is on radar for Hammers
The article highlighted why the passionate Portuguese would be perfect for the Hammers.
And that the Porto boss would suit the squad Tim Steidten has put together.
Now Bailey claims Conceicao is indeed in West Ham’s thoughts ahead of crunch time for Lopetegui in the coming weeks and months.
“Sergio Conceicao is one name on West Ham’s radar,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“He is being looked at by a lot of clubs.
“Sullivan is not ready to accept yet that bringing Lopetegui in was a mistake.
“But, still, work is being done within the club to assess potential alternatives should Lopetegui fail to steer West Ham back on course.
“And one of the names that has come up in discussions is that of Conceicao.”
Conceicao won 11 trophies in seven years as Porto boss.
His teams also impressed in Europe.
So it’s easy to see the attraction for West Ham.
Conceicao would bring elite mentality to West Ham
West Ham would get high pressing, compact defensive shapes and quick transitions in abundance with Conceicao at the helm.
He’s also comfortable switching formations with a solid 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 his preferred setups depending on the match requirements and opposition.
Forget stats, though, the good old fashioned eyes test will tell you what you need to know about Conceição. You watch Porto and they excite you in the way they attack with pace and vigour and defend with fight and passion.
Conceição has consistently led Porto to competitive runs in the Champions League and Europa League, with standout performances, including knocking out Juventus in the 2020-21 Champions League round of 16.
His Porto side has gained a reputation for being tough to break down in Europe, showing that he can manage at the highest level.
But it is his strong leadership and ability to motivate his players which makes him perfect for West Ham.
Conceição is early Mourinho-esque in the way he creates a close-knit, competitive squad and siege mentality.
And guess what West Ham fans – he loves nothing more than helping develop and bring through young talents into the first team.
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