“We can’t SACK him yet, we have to RETAIN him…” – West Ham reveals the REAL REASON why they’re yet to SACK Lopetegui amidst Poor Performance and Fans Outrage

West Ham United has justified its decision to stand by under-fire manager Julen Lopetegui, despite growing frustration from supporters following a string of poor performances. Fans voiced their displeasure loudly during the team’s 3-1 defeat to Leicester City, leaving the board under immense pressure to act.

A Manager Under Scrutiny

The appointment of Julen Lopetegui was met with skepticism when announced, with fans questioning his suitability for the role. While supporters were willing to give the 58-year-old Spaniard a chance, their patience has waned after recent results. West Ham’s back-to-back humiliations, first a 5-2 loss to Arsenal and then the Leicester defeat, have left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with the third-worst defensive record in the division.

Discontent reached a boiling point during the match at the King Power Stadium. Away fans chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” as the team fell 3-0 behind, an indication of the growing animosity toward Lopetegui. Many expected the Leicester game to mark the end of his tenure.

The Board’s Decision

Despite widespread calls for change, West Ham’s board has chosen to give Lopetegui more time, starting with the upcoming match against Wolves. Speaking to Hammers News, a senior spokesperson for the club explained the reasoning behind this controversial decision.

“The next game, or games, will decide everything,” the spokesperson stated. “Morally, we thought he deserved another game.”

The board acknowledges that once fans turn on a manager, the situation becomes nearly irreparable. However, they felt obligated to give Lopetegui an opportunity to prove himself, even if only temporarily.

Fans React

Supporters have largely reacted negatively to the decision. Many believe that retaining Lopetegui sends the wrong message, especially as performances have shown little sign of improvement. Some fans have even threatened to boycott the Wolves match, arguing that a victory against the Premier League’s bottom team would do little to prove the manager’s credentials.

“The general consensus is that beating Wolves won’t change anything,” said a prominent fan group spokesperson. “The problems run deeper, and one win won’t erase months of poor form.”

Toxic Atmosphere Brewing

The tension surrounding Lopetegui’s future has led to concerns about the atmosphere at West Ham’s London Stadium. Comparisons have been drawn to the toxic scenes of 2018 when fans protested against the board during a match against Burnley. The club’s leadership is keen to avoid a repeat of such unrest but faces a delicate balancing act between giving the manager a fair chance and responding to fan demands.

The Road Ahead

While the Wolves match is seen as pivotal, the board has reportedly emphasized that Lopetegui’s future will depend on more than just a single result. With challenging fixtures against Bournemouth and Brighton looming, even a win against Wolves might not be enough to secure his position.

“Those matches will be the real test,” the spokesperson added. “It’s not about beating Wolves—it’s about showing consistent improvement and a clear path forward.”

Bournemouth, in particular, has been in impressive form, dismantling Tottenham Hotspur in a recent match. Brighton, known for their attacking flair, will also pose a significant challenge. Both games are likely to define whether Lopetegui remains in charge or if the club opts for a new direction.

Preparing for the Worst

Behind the scenes, West Ham’s board is believed to be exploring potential replacements for Lopetegui. While no official shortlist has been revealed, the club is aware of the need for a contingency plan should results fail to improve.

Fans have expressed hope that the board is proactive in identifying a manager capable of revitalizing the team. Many believe a change is inevitable and are urging the club to act decisively before it’s too late to salvage the season.

Conclusion

West Ham’s decision to stick with Julen Lopetegui, despite mounting pressure, reflects the challenges of managing a Premier League club in turbulent times. While the board has opted for patience, the next few games will be critical in determining the manager’s fate.

For fans, the focus remains on the team’s performances on the pitch. They want a manager who can inspire the players, restore pride in the badge, and steer the club back toward competing for European places. Whether Lopetegui can be that manager will soon become clear.