Speculation is rife that Julen Lopetegui could be on the verge of the sack if West Ham lose to Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
It’s easy to see why rumours are circling given West Ham’s awful form and performances under Julen Lopetegui since he replaced David Moyes.
Especially with a two-week international break looming after the game at the London Stadium.
West Ham fans will arrive in expectant mood on Saturday.
But things won’t be easy for the Hammers without star player Mohammed Kudus and – less so – Edson Alvarez.
Lopetegui has faced intense criticism over his tactics, team selections and man-management.
West Ham’s owners have told Hammers News and other journalists they are backing the manager.
That has not stopped certain reporters being briefed a very different narrative.
The likes of German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs claim West Ham have put two managers on standby.
There has been claim and counter claim about the Everton clash too.
Classy Moyes makes appeal to Sullivan about Lopetegui
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg states the match will not decide Lopetegui’s furure.
Top West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas, of The Athletic, claims it could well be.
Who knows what to believe.
Many in the media, such as Richard Keys, are revelling in West Ham’s struggles after warning the club to be careful what they wish for when parting company with Moyes.
Hammers fans have been quick to point out that just because they wanted someone new, doesn’t mean they necessarily wanted Lopetegui.
Reporting on West Ham – whether it’s broadcast, online or print – has regularly referenced former manager Moyes.
‘Moyes must be sat with his feet up laughing’ is one line regularly being trotted out.
That ignores the fact the rot West Ham are seeing under Lopetegui very much set in under the Scot.
West Ham have won just nine of their 38 games in 2024.
Most of those were on Moyes’ watch.
The ex Hammers boss made some comments about the 3-0 defeat to Forest over the weekend which have been painted as him gloating that the team has got worse since his departure.
But classy Moyes has made an appeal to West Ham chief David Sullivan about Lopetegui amid the do-or-die claims.
What Moyes actually said about Lopetegui situation at West Ham
It seems some outlets have been very selective with their reporting of Moyes’ comments when he appeared as a guest on BBC’s Football Daily podcast.
The former Hammers boss says Lopetegui needs time to get the team playing as he wants.
And he insists underperforming players need to step up.
Especially as West Ham are not in Europe this season and should be fresher for their Premier League campaign.
“I had a few defeats where we lost heavily at different times, so it happens for all managers,” Moyes said.
“I think the new manager coming in needs time and to be given that opportunity to set things the way he wants them to happen.
“They look as if they’re a bit more open than they’ve been before and more liable possibly to concede. But they’re desperately trying to score more goals as well.
“This time last year, I think we’d played about five or six more games than what they have just now, because we had the European competition to compete with as well. So the players should be much fresher (and have) bigger energy (and be) showing that.
“But I just think that the manager needs to be given an opportunity, a bit of time to settle things down.
“Sometimes players need to perform as well, they need to step up and show what they’re about. I’m sure a few of them can play better and show the manager exactly what they can do.”
Well said that man.
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