West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is under pressure (Nigel French/PA)
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is under pressure (Nigel French/PA)
Online Editors
The Press Association
Today at 11:47
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has urged his squad to embrace the pressure as he fights to save his job.
The Spaniard's future as Hammers head coach is under intense scrutiny following an underwhelming first six months of his tenure.
Tuesday evening's 3-1 Premier League defeat at Leicester increased the heat on Lopetegui, leaving his side with 15 points from 14 games on the back of last weekend's 5-2 hammering at home to Arsenal.
Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes during the summer, refused to blame his players for the predicament and is confident he can revive an ailing season ahead of Monday evening's showdown with former club Wolves.
"The players have to be demanding and to be ready to enjoy this problem, in spite of the bad moments, to be able to enjoy this pressure," he said.
"This pressure is for me. I accept the pressure, that is why I am coach."
Lopetegui is battling to win over a disgruntled fanbase following seven defeats from his first 14 top-flight matches.
The 58-year-old has been backed by West Ham's board for the time being after his position was debated in the wake of the loss at Leicester.
Former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla manager Lopetegui insists he will remain true to his values as he attempts to revive the Hammers' fortunes.
"There is no one way to be secure (in your job)," he said. "The way that you have to work is the way that you understand, that you analyse, that you work.
"We are aware about the kind of players and the kind of strengths and weaknesses that we can have.
"That is why you always have to work about this kind of situation. We did this and we are going to do the same. Always you have a lot of things to improve."