Lopetegui’s PROBLEM Identified at West Ham as Paul Merson HITS at Him for the Treatment of ONE KEY PLAYER as the Problem at West Ham and it is….

Paul Merson Slams Julen Lopetegui Over Lucas Paqueta Snub

Paul Merson has launched a scathing attack on West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui, labeling his decision to leave out Lucas Paqueta from the starting lineup against Leicester City as “unbelievable.”

Merson, a former Arsenal midfielder and current pundit, expressed his disbelief at Lopetegui’s tactics, stating that the Spanish manager’s stubbornness will ultimately be his downfall at the London Stadium.

“This is a massive game for both managers,” Merson said. “Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil are under immense pressure. How can Wolves win 4-1 at Fulham, and then concede four goals in back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Everton? That’s just unbelievable.”

Merson’s criticism of Lopetegui’s decision-making was centered around the manager’s failure to select Paqueta, who was available for selection despite initial concerns over his availability due to a spot-fixing investigation.

“How can you do that?” Merson asked. “I don’t understand that decision. We all know Leicester won’t take the game to West Ham, they have a certain way of playing. It involves sitting back and hitting teams on the counter. Why not include Paqueta? He keeps the ball well and makes things happen.”

Merson’s criticism of Lopetegui’s tactics extends beyond the Leicester City match, suggesting that the manager’s approach is not suited to the Premier League.

“This is what happens when you bring in managers who don’t understand how the Premier League works,” Merson said. “They may have done great things elsewhere in Europe, but it’s not the same here.”

Despite predicting a 2-0 victory for West Ham in their upcoming match against Wolves, Merson’s criticism of Lopetegui’s management style suggests that the manager’s future at the club is uncertain.

“The best managers adapt to the intensity of the Premier League and the quick-fire decisions that come their way,” Merson said. “Lopetegui opting to leave Paqueta out of his side despite his availability is a self-destructive move on his part.”

Merson’s comments come as West Ham prepares to face Wolves at the London Stadium on Monday, with Lopetegui’s future hanging in the balance.