Sport Nation 2Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham United is off to a challenging start, with pressure mounting on the Spanish manager after a rocky opening to the season. Following a summer coaching change from David Moyes to Lopetegui, West Ham has secured only three wins in their first 10 Premier League games, sparking concerns among fans and prompting discussion about potential replacements.
West Ham legend Frank McAvennie recently shared his views on the situation, revealing his preferred managerial options before the club appointed Lopetegui. Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie explained he had hoped the Hammers would bring in an established name, such as Jose Mourinho or Brentford’s Thomas Frank, both of whom he believes have a track record of success and could bring a winning mentality to the club.
“Everyone wanted David Moyes out, and I understand it wasn’t always exciting football, but he got us results,” McAvennie stated. “I fancied Mourinho – he’s a winner and has the experience. And Thomas Frank from Brentford is wonderful as well, though I’m not sure he’d want to leave his club for another London team. But West Ham is a big club, and it’s worth considering.”
A Difficult Start for Lopetegui
The decision to bring Lopetegui on board was made by West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who opted for a change after Moyes’ tactics and approach came under scrutiny despite delivering stable results. However, Lopetegui has found it challenging to settle into the role, with West Ham suffering a series of difficult losses, including a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a heavy 5-1 loss to Liverpool in the EFL Cup. These results have raised questions about whether Lopetegui’s approach is suited to the Premier League.
The Hammers’ inconsistent form has led to growing concerns among the fanbase, with many vocalizing their dissatisfaction on social media. While West Ham has managed two wins in their last four matches, the overall performance and manner of their five league defeats have done little to alleviate pressure on the Spanish manager.
Missed Opportunities for West Ham?
Despite the mounting frustrations, the timing of a managerial change may be tricky. Both Mourinho and Frank, two managers frequently mentioned by fans and former players, appear out of reach. Mourinho is reportedly content in his role at Turkish club Fenerbahce, and Thomas Frank, whose reputation has soared due to his success with Brentford, is under no pressure to leave his current position. Sources close to the club suggest that Sullivan may have missed his chance to bring in either manager, meaning Lopetegui may be safe in his role for now.
McAvennie remains hopeful that Lopetegui can adapt and find his footing in the Premier League. “You have to give a new manager a chance,” he said. “It’s only been 10 games, and sometimes it takes time to settle and for the players to buy into a new philosophy.”
Fan Frustration and Calls for Improvement
West Ham fans have not been shy about expressing their frustrations with the current direction of the club. Many were vocal about their concerns when Moyes was let go, acknowledging that while the style of play may not have been exciting, Moyes was known for achieving results and keeping the club in a stable position. For a team with a dedicated following and a storied history, the inconsistency this season has left many supporters eager for improvements and skeptical about Lopetegui’s ability to deliver.
Critics point out that Lopetegui’s start has not only yielded poor results but has also shown little indication of the structured, disciplined football that fans grew accustomed to under Moyes. As a result, discussions about the future of West Ham’s management are likely to continue until the team’s performance stabilizes.
What’s Next for Lopetegui and West Ham?
As the club enters a crucial stretch of the season, Lopetegui’s immediate focus will be on turning around West Ham’s fortunes and winning back the trust of the fans. The Hammers’ next few games could be decisive in shaping the perception of Lopetegui’s capabilities, and positive results will be essential if he hopes to maintain his position at the London Stadium. A string of strong performances could buy him the time he needs to instill his philosophy and bring stability back to the team.
On the other hand, if West Ham’s struggles continue, Sullivan may be forced to reconsider his decision sooner than expected. Sacking a manager just 10 games into the season would be a drastic move, but it may become a necessary one if Lopetegui is unable to guide the team out of its slump.
As of now, it appears that Lopetegui will remain at the helm, with Sullivan and the club’s board watching closely to see if the manager can turn things around. In the meantime, fans will be hoping for a resurgence, knowing that consistent improvement and a clear direction are critical for a club with West Ham’s ambitions and expectations.
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