David Sullivan about to make biggest mistake yet at West Ham after Guillem Balague’s big Julen Lopetegui claim

I even asked can anybody find Lopetegui somebody to love while compiling a list of those predicting his appointment would not work out for the Hammers.

Journalist Guillem Balague was often a lone voice in the crowd speaking up for his compatriot.

But his words carried far more weight than most given his knowledge of Spanish football and Lopetegui’s career.

So when he spoke, West Ham fans listened.

Fast forward 12 games in all competitions and Lopetegui is in big trouble.

After being backed by majority owner David Sullivan in the wake of the 3-0 defeat to Forest last weekend, the 57-year-old is now said to need a win over Everton to keep his job.

Sullivan is the one who picked Lopetegui.

Technical director Tim Steidten wanted to go in a different direction but West Ham’s biggest stakeholder was impressed with the former Wolves boss when he interviewed him.

So it would be some climbdown for Sullivan to fire Lopetegui just 13 games into his tenure if West Ham don’t get the desired result and performance against Everton.

That’s what will happen according to a number of reports ahead of the game.

But Sullivan could be about to make his biggest mistake yet at West Ham after Balague’s big Lopetegui claim.

Is Sullivan about to make his biggest mistake yet at West Ham?

When West Ham appointed Lopetegui after courting Ruben Amorim, the reaction from fans was understandably lukewarm.

In the main Hammers supporters coveted a younger, modern and innovative manager. It was felt Amorim was exactly what they needed and fans were giddy with excitement when talks were held.

On the flip side, supporters were underwhelmed when all roads ended up leading to Lopetegui after Milan withdrew their contract offer to him amid a fan protest.

One man was completely exasperated by the negative narrative around Lopetegui taking over at West Ham.

In the face of much scepticism around Lopetegui’s appointment, Balague spoke up for his compatriot.

What he had to say changed a lot of hearts and minds about the man who had been named West Ham’s 18th permanent boss.

And now it is worth revisiting before West Ham make a huge decision whether to axe the ex Spain boss or not.

First Balague described what Lopetegui would bring to east London in terms of his style of play. And he tantalisingly suggested he took many of his learnings from the great innovator Johan Cruyff.

“What you’re going to have is… a team that will be energetic, physical, direct – not direct as in long ball, not at all – but everybody attacking, everybody defending, with high tempo, quick transitions – both offensive and defensive – a team that will be modern to look at with different layers, different ways to attack, building from the back, choosing what to do at the right time,” Balague said at the time.

“He took from Johan Cruyff a bunch of things with his football. That’s why he was such a surprising choice by Real Madrid because he’s more like a Johan Cruyff pupil than a Real Madrid manager.

“What he took from Cruyff is that you have to give spectacle. Football shouldn’t just be about results.”

There was one crucial point which Balague was keen to get across too.

That Lopetegui would need time.

What Balague said about Lopetegui as West Ham axe looms

He added: “That requires time, but he’s going to have the pre-season and, I believe three years, so he has time.”

Here West Ham are, though, reportedly contemplating sacking him just 13 games in.

That was not even Balague’s biggest claim about Lopetegui either.

In a feature on West Ham’s own website, he made a bold statement which – right now – looks somewhat ridiculous.

“Julen Lopetegui is one of the best managers in the world!” Balague told the club’s website.

“The man belongs to football and West Ham United is the perfect match – we’re seeing an ambitious coach at an ambitious club.

“The philosophy is to change the style of play, and Lopetegui will certainly try to please the Hammers fans. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to go on a journey together with a team that will play strong, dynamic, direct football…

“Lopetegui gives everything to his club and, come the end of every season, he’s absolutely exhausted!

“The Hammers are in the hands of someone who’ll mould players in his own unique style – he’ll now be asking them to think, act and use their playing instincts differently.”

But again Balague caveated his praise and prediction with that all-important plea for patience.

“It’ll take players time to appreciate his methods, but he won’t mind them taking calculated risks for the good of the team. At first, they’ll find it unusual, but they’ll gradually add more strings to their bows,” Balague added.

“The Hammers face some difficult early fixtures and everyone needs to be patient, because it’s possible that there’ll be tough moments along the way.

“Remember, it always takes time for any new coach to transform a squad and put their own identity on a team, and it’s so important that everyone at West Ham United sticks together until things click into place.

“Believe me, under Julen Lopetegui, they will…”

Shameless patriotism or wise words that need to be heeded?

Some accuse Balague of being a shameless patriot who’ll give any Spaniard big billing.

But his words should give everyone at West Ham food for thought.

Sullivan and some fans perhaps need to have a long, hard think about what they want in the next day or two.

There’s no hiding that there is little evidence so far to back up Balague’s comments on Lopetegui being among the world’s best.

But perhaps he was right from the start that this change was always going to need time and patience.

How long is enough time, how long is too much? It’s a delicate balance and ultimately only Sullivan can decide.

West Ham beating Everton would buy him some of that no doubt.

Lose and – as far as Balague is concerned anyway – Sullivan could make his biggest mistake yet by pulling the trigger too soon.

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