Waiting for definitive news from the club over the news broken this afternoon by talksport is frustrating but par for the course: West Ham do like to have all their ducks in a row and a successor signed up before terminating a manager’s contract, if past history is anything to go by.
From Lopetegui’s stressed and exhausted demeanour, it is clear both his work and his personal situation these last few weeks has taken its toll. The whole situation needs clearing up: Many are reporting he’s been sacked. We just hope West Ham’s board finish the whole sorry saga with an element of dignity and professionalism.
I’m sure Lopetegui is a very decent man who is just out of his depth and this reported ‘end of the line’ will be a relief for him as much as it is for those of us that support, follow and write about the club.
Looking forward, the first thought that came to mind was that, amongst the opportunities and challenges for Lopetegui’s successor, several of the players who’d been unwilling or not chosen to play for Lopetegui can now as a matter of urgency be integrated back into the squad and the new coach, when appointed officially, can draw the team together into one unit.
No more bust-ups, no more face-offs, and no more want-away players. The opportunity to be selected on merit not on club politics must come as a huge relief to the ‘want away’ rumoured players such as Mohammed Kudus, Jean Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Edson Alvarez all of whom had been rumoured to want out.
In addition, players such as Luis Guilherme and Crysencio Summerville will now have far greater opportunities to start under a new coach with a fresh pair of eyes.
By drawing the players into a cemented ‘team’ the ‘new broom’ head coach who we believe is on the way, will certainly sweep clean at West Ham. Hopefully the announcement will be made in the next day or so. If not by the time I’ve finished typing this.
I’ll drink a mug of tea to that.
