Julen Lopetegui’s press conferences often leave a lot of head scratching journalists trailing in their wake trying to decipher what was said, what was implied and what was sneaked under the radar. We had the comment yesterday of ‘one or two player issues’ indicating – as an afterthought to a Fullkrug fitness update – that other players may be last – minute decisions and doubtful as it stands.
In addition, Lopetegui has got me scratching my head over his very British ‘keep calm and carry on’ demeanour. For whilst the definitive statement from inside the club stated that Everton is a ‘must win’ game, the Hammers head coach ignored all of the headlines over his future and stated calmly: “I am sure that we have a lot of time to change and to turn this bad moment into a good moment.”
I don’t believe he’s naive enough to ignore the rumours of about a dozen coaches now being ‘lined up’ or ‘shortlisted’ to take over.
So is this Lopetegui in denial? Or simply doing his best to appear calm on the surface and showing how he accepts this pressure as part of his job: “We always work under pressure and we have to accept that it is normal in our job.” Stating the obvious.
He looks drawn and tired – I do feel for him. Part of me is convinced, though, that this ‘must – win’ game is nothing of the sort and on past actions, Sullivan and Steidten will not be considering reversing the decision to hire him and pay him off yet awhile.
The loss of face for the sacking of a head coach after 10 games – or 11 on Saturday – would be just as painful as the six million quid in severance pay. Lopetegui has the look of a man who doesn’t expect to be making a quick getaway on Saturday, whatever the outcome.
