West Ham Lopetegui
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui
Carla Devine
Wed 27 November 2024 9:00, UK
Carlton Palmer believes that Julen Lopetegui’s job at West Ham is safe for now after their win against Newcastle United.
The Hammers’ inconsistent start to the season has led to questions surrounding the future of the Spaniard with discussions around who would be a suitable successor.
Tony Cascarino said on talkSPORT that he believes former Hammers midfielder and current Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick would be an ideal replacement for the Spaniard.
Palmer was in agreement about the qualities of Carrick but believes Lopetegui has bought himself more time at the London Stadium.
Speaking to Football League World (27 November), he said: “Middlesbrough, after a slow start to the season, have now kicked into form and Michael Carrick is doing a fantastic job.
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“I love the way he goes about his business quietly. He’s not been blessed with loads of money in the transfer market but he gets about his business and is doing a fantastic job.
“Again, he’s got Middlesbrough into a playoff place and they’re only five points off Leeds United and Sunderland, which is a magnificent achievement. Again, he’s been linked with another Premier League job at West Ham, he’s been tipped to replace Julen Lopetegui.
“But it just shows you what happens sometimes. I would’ve sworn blind last night that West Ham were certain to get beat up at Newcastle, but they’ve gone up against an in-form side who won two before the international break and beat them. So all of a sudden, West Ham are on 15 points.
“You look at teams who are having a really good season like Nottingham Forest and they’re only four points behind them, so maybe it’s just a case of being patient.
“He definitely hasn’t lost the players given that performance at Newcastle, I still think he’s going to be under pressure – he’s the manager of West Ham – but I don’t think he’s in danger of getting the sack after that result, certainly not in the next two or three games.
“He’s bought himself a bit of time. But if Michael Carrick carries on doing what he’s doing at Middlesbrough, he’s going to be coveted for a top job.”
Is this the turning point for Lopetegui at West Ham?
West Ham getting all three points against Newcastle was a surprise to many and although their opponents weren’t at their best, the Hammers also deserve a lot of credit for their performance.
Despite being under pressure, this result has undoubtedly bought the boss some time to put things right at the London Stadium. David Sullivan hadn’t sacked him going into the game which suggests that he is keen for this appointment to work.
As Palmer alluded to, the performance the players put in at St James’ Park looked as though they felt they had something to fight for which means this victory could well be the start of a neat run of form for the East London club.
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That being said, we have seen West Ham pick up some points across the season so far and with a tough game against Arsenal up next, this could well mean Lopetegui’s side struggle to find some consistent form.
If this was the case and doubts were arising again then Carrick is certainly an appointment that would be worth looking at as we have seen him progress Boro solidly whilst possessing the more attacking style that fans have been craving at West Ham.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been told when Sunderland could sanction a transfer for Jobe Bellingham.
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