Julen Lopetegui back in Spain believing he’s safe from West Ham sack but has got it all wrong say sources

Journalists with strong contacts in the corridors of power at West Ham claimed the Everton game was make or break for the Spaniard.

It was stated by the likes of The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas and Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian that it was a must win match.

Thomas even stated that a convincing win might be the only thing that could save Lopetegui from the Hammers axe.

Another abject West Ham performance, particularly in the first half, saw a turgid 0-0 draw played out in front of a yawning crowd which started emptying long before the final whistle.

If West Ham’s owners were looking to see how the players reacted to the prospect of their manager’s job being on the line then they got plenty of evidence.

Many feel the players are either simply not fussed about saving Lopetegui or the 57-year-old’s message isn’t getting through.

After 13 games – effectively a third of a season – many expected to see some kind of tangible progress or identity Lopetegui is working towards.

Instead many journalists, pundits and supporters believe the team has actually regressed.

That’s despite spending £155m on nine signings in the summer.

Lopetegui back in Spain believing he’s safe from West Ham sack

Eight managers and counting have been linked as replacements.

A report on Monday claimed majority owner David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten will be meeting this week to discuss Lopetegui’s future.

But it seems the manager has jetted home for a break blissfully unaware his job is in danger.

Lopetegui is back in Spain believing he’s safe from the West Ham sack but has got it all wrong say sources.

The former Spain manager actually turned the blame on Steidten for his struggles to get his ideas across at West Ham.

Lopetegui said he cannot implement his style and ideas with the players he has been given.

He also stated he believes his work will be judged in May.

That’s despite West Ham’s owners declaring ‘performances are not good enough’ following the draw with Everton.

Lopetegui has headed home for a break despite West Ham’s struggles.

And his belief his job is not under threat is completely misplaced.

That’s according to an incredible update from sources speaking to Give Me Sport.

Hammers boss has got situation all wrong say sources

Lopetegui’s confidence that he is not under immediate threat of the sack is misguided as he is not on safe ground after overseeing an underwhelming start to the season at West Ham the report states.

“The 58-year-old was handed a £3.4million-per-year contract when he was appointed as Moyes’ successor, which equates to him pocketing in the region of £65,000 every seven days in the capital, and he has been certain that he will be given time to oversee an upturn in fortunes despite coming under increasing pressure,” GMS reports.

“But GMS sources have been informed that Lopetegui is incorrect over his job security, having been adamant that he would not be on the verge of the sack unless the goalless draw with Everton went terribly last weekend, and an unconvincing performance against fellow strugglers has left some figures questioning whether he is capable of improving matters.”

Is Lopetegui delusional after horrendous start at West Ham?

The site also claims sources have told them friction within the squad and fanbase are reasons for Lopetegui’s future coming under increasing amounts of scrutiny ahead of daunting matches against Newcastle and Arsenal after the international break.

If Lopetegui has gone home to put his feet up for a few days believing he’s not bang in trouble then he’s delusional.

West Ham fans have left long before the final whistle in six of his 13 games in charge.

Players openly showed dissent towards him in the draw with Everton.

The team is neither playing well or getting results.

It seems the only person that believes Lopetegui will be ok is the man himself.

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