Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that West Ham United are evaluating potential successors for Julen Lopetegui behind the scenes.
The transfer expert, who has close ties to Hammers’ Director of Football Tim Steidten, claims that while the club will continue to back their head coach, this report is not a resounding endorsement of Lopetegui, despite the opening sentiment.
Plettenberg wrote on his social media page: “The owners of West Ham continue to back Julen Lopetegui; however, the next three games leading up to the international break will be crucial for his future. Lopetegui is well aware of this. His strong work ethic is highly appreciated at West Ham, but the team’s progress has stalled.
“In the background, potential candidates are already being evaluated to be prepared.”
The intent behind the pleasantries in this update is clear: West Ham are considering replacements, and Lopetegui is in serious trouble if he loses his next three games.
If the report is accurate, it raises the question as to why the club would be entering a period of evaluating coaches. Surely, a list of potential candidates already exists from the search for David Moyes’ replacement, meaning West Ham would already know each candidate’s merits and potential interest in joining the club.
C&H have contacted out club sources in an effort to seek clarity on the issue, although it’s highly irregular for this type of story to appear in the eve of an important game.
