West Ham fans you may want to get something to bite down on as you read what Paul Merson has just said ahead of the clash with Everton.
After Hammers fans have read it many will want to lay in a dark room.
It has been rather unfortunate timing for Julen Lopetegui and David Sullivan that it was this week David Moyes appeared as a guest on popular show, The Overlap.
West Ham’s best manager for a generation discussed his time in east London openly and honestly.
But it will not be lost on anyone that two of his former clubs face off this weekend with both managers under pressure.
West Ham parted company with Moyes amid much media criticism at the end of last season.
With that in mind, the Scot was always going to be a tough act for Lopetegui to follow at the London Stadium.
The Spaniard has struggled perhaps worse than anyone imagined, though.
Hammers fans have not been impressed so far.
But many have rightly pointed out that just because they wanted a change from Moyes, it did not mean they wanted Lopetegui as the man to replace him.
Results, performances and West Ham’s lack of any clear identity have seen dark clouds gather over east London once again.
West Ham were well beaten 3-0 at Forest in the Premier League last weekend.
That has piled the pressure back on Lopetegui after it was eased with a fortunate win over Man United.
The much-improved second half display in that game proved to be a false dawn.
Merson West Ham take is like nails on a chalkboard
The Irons sit 14th in the table after 10 games and could be leapfrogged by Everton if they lose to Sean Dyche’s side.
Speculation is rife Lopetegui might be sacked if the Hammers don’t beat Everton.
West Ham fans and owners have become an easy target regarding the decision to part company with Moyes.
Especially as their former manager has been making headlines this week.
So what Paul Merson has just said about West Ham is like nails on a chalkboard for supporters.
For most West Ham fans there’s a phrase they feel has been lazily trotted out by journalists, pundits and some fans – inside and outside the club – before and since Moyes’ departure.
Now Merson’s only gone and said it.
Assessing West Ham’s potentially make-or-break clash with Everton, Merson says Lopetegui is proving that particular phrase is accurate.
Merson has uttered those words: “Be careful what you wish for.”
The pundit says Lopetegui is now under pressure to deliver and still doesn’t know his best XI.
But he feels the club and fans are now seeing they should have stuck with Moyes.
Despite all that, Merson predicts West Ham will do Lopetegui a massive favour by beating Everton 2-0 on Saturday.
“Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to deliver at West Ham,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
Merson says West Ham let a good thing go in Moyes
“The problem with them is the inconsistency. They’re one of them teams who could win a couple of games and then go lose a few on the trot. And when they get beat, they capitulate, like they did last weekend against Nottingham Forest!
“I always go back to this with West Ham, be careful what you wish for. David Moyes is a good manager and they won a European trophy under him. Don’t forget that this was a West Ham that did nothing for many years. Sometimes people can get caught up in the total football philosophy and overlook the fact that it’s always about winning games.
“I still doubt Lopetegui knows his best XI. However, I expect West Ham to win here. Everton could now be dragged back into the relegation battle.”
Most true West Ham fans will always respect Moyes and fully appreciate everything he did for their club.
But supporters grew fed up with the low-block, low possession style of play from a manager who was very much old school in a world full of Pep Guardiola disciples.
Hammers fans wanted a modern, innovative coach who could build a team around young, exciting players.
It’s not West Ham fans making the big decisions at the club, though.
And the owners brought in Lopetegui after a year out of the game while delivering what is now the oldest squad in the Premier League.
So West Ham fans should not be chastised for wanting something more entertaining.
Supporters have every right to wish, hope and dream.
But it’s the job of the owners to try and make those wishes and dreams a reality by listening to what fans want and expect.
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