West Ham were soundly beaten by newly-promoted Leicester on Tuesday night
The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League and just six points above the drop
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By SAMI MOKBEL
Published: 04:52 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 05:03 EST, 4 December 2024
Julen Lopetegui's position as West Ham head coach is under major internal scrutiny just seven months into his reign.
The Spaniard is fighting to save his job following the team’s latest setback against Leicester last night when his side suffered a 3-1 loss at Leicester, their second successive defeat following a 5-2 defeat against Arsenal on Saturday.
And there are big concerns at the London Stadium over the team’s progress since Lopetegui’s appointment following David Moyes’ departure at the end of last season to leave the former Wolves boss in a precarious position.
Heading into last Monday’s win at Newcastle, it is understood Lopetegui’s role at the club was already under the microscope.
Victory and a positive performance at St James’ Park sparked optimism that the team may have turned the corner - but two consecutive losses have served to intensify the internal doubts.
Co-owner David Sullivan has a history of sticking by his managers but Lopetegui is now under huge pressure ahead of two crucial games against Wolves and Bournemouth, although it remains to be seen if he is afforded time to take charge of both games.
Julen Lopetegui is fighting to keep his job as West Ham manager following the side's dismal campaign
The Hammers suffered a 3-1 defeat to newly-promoted Leicester at the King Power on Tuesday
Sections of the supporter have already turned on Lopetegui, which will not work in his favour.
Hammers fans heckled their own on boss against Leicester on Tuesday night, chanting: ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’.
The club have tentatively considered replacements for Lopetegui in recent weeks amid the internal concerns.
Sergio Conceicao, who left Porto last season, was put forward as an potential candidate ahead of Lopetegui’s appointment and still has admirers at the London Stadium
Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic, who led the German club to the Champions League final last summer, would be open to replacing Lopetegui.
Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and Brighton head coach, is also available.