Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]
Carla Devine
Wed 4 December 2024 16:11, UK
Darren Bent has questioned the “bizarre” decision of the West Ham United board to appoint Julen Lopetegui.
Following the departure of David Moyes from the London Stadium after the end of the 2023/24 season, the Spaniard was appointed as his successor.
However, his tenure in East London has not gone to plan so far and, with his side sitting six points above the relegation zone, there are questions surrounding his future at the club.
Ahead of the Hammers game against Leicester City on Tuesday (3 December), Bent questioned whether it was the right appointment in the first place.
He said on talkSPORT [3 December, 18:16pm]: “I’m not sure the West Ham fans are completely sold on Lopetegui.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
“My only bizarre thing about that is that they weren’t happy with the football David Moyes played, so why would the board then opt for a guy that plays a similar type of football? That was the only thing I wasn’t quite sure about.”
Is the end in sight for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham?
Following Bent’s comments, the Hammers then went on to lose 3-1 at the King Power Stadium which has only increased the pressure on the manager’s shoulders and it now seems like it’s only a matter of time until he departs the London Stadium.
If David Sullivan does make this decision, though, all the pressure will turn to him with it being essential to appoint a boss who could turn their fortunes around and make sure they are safe in the top flight this season.
David Sullivan, West Ham
David Sullivan, West Ham owner
The appointment of the 58-year-old clearly has not panned out the way it was expected to, but this rightly leads to questions like Bent’s asking why this was a decision that was made in the first place given the reason behind the changes.
The coming weeks and potential departures and arrivals at the London Stadium could easily be the make-or-break moment of the Hammers’ season, and fans will be desperate to see the board make a decision that can rectify the damage of their previous appointment.
In other West Ham news, the timeline for Lopetegui’s sacking has emerged.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts