West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui could be sacked by Sunday according to an explosive new claim from a well-connected journalist.
Pressure has been mounting on Julen Lopetegui once again after West Ham’s 3-0 defeat at Forest.
There has been claim and counter claim this week about the Spaniard’s future.
The fact there is a two-week international break after West Ham’s Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday has been seen as ominous for the 57-year-old.
The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas stated that anything other than a convincing win over Everton could see Lopetegui sacked.
But as the dust settled on the dismal Forest defeat, journalist Jacob Steinberg made a somewhat shocking Hammers claim.
Major U-turn as Hammers boss ‘hangs by a thread’
He said that “Everton at home next currently not seen as make or break but pressure on Lopetegui to improve results is getting bigger.”
Things appear to have changed dramatically in the days since, though.
That’s if the same reporter’s latest update is anything to go by.
Speculation has continued to swirl over Lopetegui’s future ahead of Everton.
The likes of Graham Potter, Edin Terzic and Sebastian Hoeness have been linked as potential replacements.
Now two brand new names are in the West Ham frame with Lopetegui ‘hanging by thread’ claims Steinberg.
In an update which marks a major U-turn from the Hammers hierarchy, Steinberg has revealed Lopetegui could find himself sacked by Sunday if West Ham lose to Everton.
Two brand new names in West Ham frame claims Steinberg
And at the very least the break will be used to line-up replacements with short and long-term candidates being assessed.
Two of whom are completely new names in the West Ham equation, suggesting the net is being widened.
“West Ham will review Julen Lopetegui’s position if they lose at home to Everton on Saturday,” Steinberg reports in The Guardian.
“Although the hope is that the manager will turn the situation around, he is under increasing pressure after a poor start and another setback would leave him hanging by a thread…
“West Ham, who overlooked Hansi Flick and Paulo Fonseca when they appointed Lopetegui, are believed to have made background checks on Sebastian Hoeness, Kasper Hjulmand and Roger Schmidt.”
Steinberg’s update confirms Hammers News’ claim yesterday that West Ham must be behind sudden interest in Hoeness, who was a candidate in the summer.
However, the reporter states he is seen as ‘an unrealistic target’.
So who are Schmidt and Hjulmand and what would they bring to West Ham?
Kasper Hjulmand – Danish attack-minded coach who likes youth
Kasper Hjulmand is a Danish football manager known for his thoughtful and strategic approach to coaching.
He rose to prominence in Denmark managing clubs like Lyngby BK and Nordsjælland, where he was known for bringing on young players and implementing a dynamic, attacking style of play.
Hjulmand became head coach of Denmark’s national team in 2020. Under his guidance, Denmark reached the semi-finals of the Euros despite challenging circumstances, including Christian Eriksen’s on-field collapse.
Known for fostering unity and resilience within his team, he is said to combine a deep understanding of the game with a humanistic approach, making him a respected figure among players and a symbol of modern Danish coaching philosophy.
Roger Schmidt – German known for high-pressing tactics
Roger Schmidt is a German football manager known for his high-intensity, pressing style of play.
His big breakthrough came with Red Bull Salzburg, where his innovative, fast-paced, pressing tactics gained attention and led to the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2014.
Schmidt moved on to manage Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, bringing his aggressive, direct style that emphasised quick transitions and relentless pressure on opponents. After stints with Beijing Guoan in China and PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Schmidt continued to gain a reputation for a dynamic, modern approach to the game.
In 2022, he became the head coach of Benfica in Portugal, where he immediately made an impact by leading the team to domestic success. Schmidt is celebrated for his tactical clarity and energetic football philosophy, marking him as a unique presence in European coaching.
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