While there has understandably been much talk about Ruben Amorim over the past few days, West Ham’s trip to Nottingham Forest provides Julen Lopetegui with an opportunity to hush some of the noise.
The frustration among fans that the Hammers missed out on arguably the continent’s brightest young coaching talent has only been heightened by Lopetegui’s stuttering start in East London. In essence, it feels as if we’ve drawn the short straw in managerial choices, especially with reports suggesting Amorim was willing to make the move to the London Stadium.
However, if West Ham can secure a win against Nuno Espírito Santo’s high-flying side this weekend and move into the top half of the Premier League, some of the hype around Amorim may start to subside.
It won’t be easy, given that Forest appear to excel in areas where Lopetegui’s tactics are most vulnerable. But aside from a chaotic half against Tottenham, the Irons have looked okay defensively in away fixtures.
We’re already sitting higher in the table than Manchester United, who face a tough game against Chelsea, while Newcastle are beginning to feel mounting media pressure as well. West Ham have taken a beating in the national press recently, and while Saturday’s game isn’t a “must-win” fixture, it’s undeniably important.
This match offers Lopetegui a chance to shift the narrative away from himself and onto others. Ruben Amorim may indeed become the next Pep Guardiola—or he could end up another Ten Hag. Whatever the future holds, it will seem far less consequential if the man in the Claret & Blue dugout doesn’t look like the wrong choice.
