Despite calls for his removal, West Ham remain steadfastly behind head coach Julen Lopetegui, at least until after the Everton game next week: If he survives that ‘win or else’ game, the next test of the Hammers board’s support will be if they choose to gift Lopetegui the striker he is desperately pushing for.
Word has it that, much like the rest of us, the West Ham boss has been unimpressed with Niclas Füllkrug’s contribution and has presented the club with suggestions for signings in the January transfer window.
However, the board can’t realistically back a manager who seems unlikely to last the season. Certainly, the Hammers didn’t spend over £100 million on players this summer to finish 15th in the Premier League, which is where we’re heading.
The obvious answer would be to instruct director of football Tim Steidten to recruit a new forward, but it was the German whose ill-advised suggestion led to the Irons spending £27 million on Füllkrug and guaranteeing he’d be the team’s top man.
Perhaps West Ham will have to look to the loan market, but it’s tough to find real quality mid-season, especially in a prolific forward.
The Hammers may need to keep their powder dry and see how December unfolds, as the team is not in a false position in the Premier League, and Lopetegui could struggle to hold on.
