West Ham badge, Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui has had a rough start as West Ham manager. (Credit: Imago)
Aheed Abrar
Wed 4 December 2024 15:10, UK
Ally McCoist was shocked at the changes Julen Lopetegui made to his West Ham United side against Leicester City.
The Scotsman was “surprised” by the team selection, with the likes of Emerson Palmieri, Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio on the bench at the King Power Stadium on 3 December.
The Irons crashed to a 3-1 defeat in the Premier League, with the four players initially benched all coming on in the second half for Lopetegui.
Speaking on talkSPORT [4 December, 6:15], McCoist said: “I thought his team selection was pretty surprising. Emerson obviously on the bench. Antonio, Paqueta, Summerville.
“I think when you leave players out that are normally expected to play you take a big gamble when you lose the game because people obviously ask questions. It’s a natural thing to do. And I think there’ll be a lot of West Ham fans asking questions.”
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Julen Lopetegui out of his depth at West Ham United
Lopetegui has struggled to implement his style of play at the London Stadium since replacing David Moyes this summer.
The Hammers’ faithful enjoyed a relatively successful period under the Scottish manager but weren’t too pleased with his pragmatic approach to games.
David Sullivan handed the former Wolves manager the keys to the Irons but the Spaniard hasn’t been able to unlock the potential at his disposal.
Tim Steidten and the rest of the recruitment team looked to have done a brilliant job in the previous transfer windows, singing some big names.
Julen Lopetegui
West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui.
With just four wins in the Premier League this season, Lopetegui’s management has been below par, and fans made their feelings known at the King Power, chanting for his dismissal.
The Hammers haven’t had a stable starting side in the current campaign, which hasn’t helped the cause.
With Lopetegui’s former side, Wolves, up next for the Irons, it remains to be seen how long the head coach survives the sack.
In other West Ham news, the timeline for Lopetegui’s sacking has emerged after the defeat at the King Power.
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