Julen Lopetegui’s position as manager of West Ham United has come under scrutiny following a challenging start to the season. With the club sitting just six points above the relegation zone after a disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest, pressure is mounting on Lopetegui to turn things around quickly. West Ham’s next game, a home fixture against Everton, could be pivotal in determining his future with the club. Although West Ham’s majority shareholder, David Sullivan, is known for his patience with managers, another setback could see the club use the upcoming international break to evaluate alternative managerial options.
In this article, we examine the current situation at West Ham, the factors contributing to Lopetegui’s struggles, and the potential consequences of a loss to Everton this weekend.
Lopetegui’s Tenure and the Early-Season Struggles
Lopetegui took charge of West Ham in the summer, succeeding David Moyes in a move that was intended to bring a fresh tactical approach to the team. However, the former Sevilla and Real Madrid manager has faced difficulties adapting his style to the Premier League. Despite a significant summer investment of over £100 million in new signings, West Ham’s performances have been inconsistent, and the team is struggling both defensively and in attack.
The season began with promise, but West Ham’s form quickly took a downturn. The loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend was a particular cause for concern, as it marked yet another game where West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking creativity were on full display. The team’s predictable play and discipline issues have further complicated Lopetegui’s efforts to instill his philosophy, leading to frustration among supporters and club management alike.
David Sullivan’s Approach and the Looming Decision
David Sullivan has a history of supporting his managers, even during difficult spells, and the club initially indicated that the Everton game would not be a make-or-break fixture for Lopetegui. However, West Ham’s proximity to the relegation zone has alarmed club officials, and it’s now believed that another loss could trigger serious discussions about Lopetegui’s future.
The timing of the Everton game just before the international break presents an opportunity for West Ham’s board to assess potential replacements, both short- and long-term. While the club’s preference would be for Lopetegui to find his footing and steer West Ham away from the danger zone, the pressure to avoid a relegation battle could prompt swift action.
Potential Candidates for West Ham’s Managerial Role
If West Ham decides to part ways with Lopetegui, they may face challenges in finding a suitable replacement. Several high-profile managers, including Graham Potter and Edin Terzic, are currently without clubs, but their suitability for the West Ham role remains unclear. The club previously considered and ultimately bypassed both Hansi Flick and Paulo Fonseca, suggesting a selective approach to potential hires.
In recent weeks, West Ham has reportedly conducted background checks on several managerial candidates, including Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart, Kasper Hjulmand, and Roger Schmidt. Hoeness is considered an unlikely target due to his Champions League commitments with Stuttgart, but the interest in him indicates West Ham’s search for a manager who can bring fresh ideas and tactical flexibility to the squad.
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Disciplinary Issues and Their Impact on Team Performance
One of the critical factors contributing to West Ham’s struggles this season has been a lack of discipline on the field. Midfielder Edson Álvarez received his second red card of the season during the Forest game, leaving the team shorthanded in crucial moments. The lack of discipline has not only cost West Ham on the scoreboard but has also impacted their reputation, with the club recently fined £30,000 for failing to control their players.
Another significant disciplinary setback involved winger Mohammed Kudus, who was handed an additional two-match suspension after an incident in West Ham’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham. Kudus had initially received a three-match ban, which saw him miss games against Forest and Manchester United, and was expected to return against Everton. However, a review led to an extra suspension and a £60,000 fine, meaning Kudus will now be unavailable until December. His absence has limited Lopetegui’s options in attack, making it harder for the manager to implement his tactical vision.
The Role of Technical Director Tim Steidten
West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, has also come under scrutiny following the club’s expensive yet underwhelming transfer window. Despite spending more than £100 million on players such as Edson Álvarez, Mohammed Kudus, and other reinforcements, the team’s performance has not improved as expected. The club’s investment in new talent has not yielded the desired results, raising questions about the decision-making process behind these acquisitions.
Steidten’s role in the recruitment strategy is now being examined as part of the broader review of West Ham’s struggles. The team’s lack of cohesion on the field suggests that the summer signings may not have been fully aligned with Lopetegui’s preferred playing style. Moving forward, Steidten will be expected to work closely with the coaching staff to ensure that future signings address the team’s weaknesses effectively.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of the Everton Game
The upcoming match against Everton is shaping up to be a defining moment for Lopetegui. West Ham’s opponents sit just two points behind them, making this a high-stakes game that could have significant implications for both teams’ standings. A victory for West Ham could relieve some of the pressure on Lopetegui, providing him with valuable time to address the team’s issues and build momentum. Conversely, a loss would likely amplify calls for change, with the international break offering a natural window for the club to reassess its leadership.
For Lopetegui, the key to success will lie in tightening West Ham’s defense and finding ways to unlock their attacking potential. Players such as Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá will need to step up and deliver strong performances, especially with Kudus unavailable. Lopetegui must also address the team’s discipline issues, as further red cards or suspensions could derail any potential recovery efforts.
A Season-Defining Moment for West Ham
Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham has reached a critical juncture. The Everton game represents a pivotal test, and while the club’s leadership remains hopeful that Lopetegui can reverse their fortunes, the pressure is mounting. West Ham’s poor start, coupled with disciplinary challenges and underwhelming performances from key summer signings, has placed Lopetegui in a precarious position.
Should West Ham secure a victory, it could mark the beginning of a turnaround and reinforce the club’s faith in Lopetegui’s ability to lead. However, a defeat may force the board to consider alternative options to avoid a relegation battle. As West Ham’s management weighs its options, supporters will be hoping for a positive outcome that keeps the club’s ambitions alive.
