West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui made a really bizarre decision for the Nottingham Forest clash last weekend.
Julen Lopetegui is under intense scrutiny in his role as West Ham boss right now, after our woeful start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
It has been claimed that an unconvincing performance against Everton on Saturday could see Lopetegui lose his job.
If that happens, it really wouldn’t surprise me one little bit – Lopetegui seems to be lost right now, and his days at the London Stadium are clearly numbered.
If we beat Everton, failing to sack him would just be delaying the inevitable as far as I’m concerned.
With games against Newcastle and Arsenal to come after the international break, things could get worse over the next few weeks.
However, one of Lopetegui’s most recent problems was entirely of his own making.
Terrible Julen Lopetegui decision could cost him West Ham job
The Spaniard really isn’t making things easy for himself is he?
He has made some bizarre decisions already this season, including taking too long to bed his new signings into the starting XI.
However, it was very much the opposite on Saturday, when he omitted a Hammers stalwart from his starting XI.
Many were surprised when the team-sheet was released on Saturday and Michail Antonio was not included in the starting XI.
Sure, it was obvious to see that he was trying to send a message to Tim Steidten and the board regarding his lack of centre-forward options.
But the decision to leave Antonio on the bench for the Nottingham Forest clash backfired badly, and it could end up costing him his job.
I’m not even a big fan of the Jamaica international, but one thing he does offer us is a real presence up front.
Antonio acts as a focal point for the team, and without his physicality up front, we are so easy to play against.
The 34-year-old definitely causes opposing defenders problems, even when he’s not scoring goals.
The Hammers looked completely toothless without him at the City Ground against Forest, and that was all Lopetegui’s fault.
Not starting him was a clear message from Julen Lopetegui in my eyes, but it backfired badly, and his West Ham job is now very much at stake.
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