West Ham are now considering a completely different approach to replacing Julen Lopetegui with an elite boss reportedly on the way.
It seems West Ham are so unconvinced Julen Lopetegui will prove them right to back him they’ve come up with an extraordinary contingency plan.
The Spaniard is hanging by a thread at West Ham ahead of game against Wolves.
Hammers fans have been calling for Lopetegui to be sacked.
But their angry demands were ignored when the club’s board met to decide the 58-year-old’s fate on Thursday.
West Ham said they felt it was ‘morally’ right to give Lopetegui another game.
In doing so the club also made it very clear to the manager what’s expected.
The Hammers demand Lopetegui wins each of the next four games one by one to keep his job.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Starting against his old club Wolves on Monday night.
The game has been dubbed ‘El Sackico’ with Gary O’Neil set to be fired if Wolves lose to the Hammers.
Lopetegui faces the same consequences if West Ham fail to beat Wolves.
Julen Lopetegui, Manager of West Ham United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and West Ham United FC ...
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Caretaker plan now being seriously considered by West Ham
Defeat would leave the Hammers just three points off the relegation zone.
Many supporters are dumbfounded how Lopetegui remains in the job.
Especially in the wake of highly-detailed leaks from the West Ham dressing room about more bust-ups with key players.
There’s mutiny in the ranks with five Hammers stars making it clear to the owners they want out if Lopetegui is staying.
The main reason the ex Spain boss is still in charge comes down to time and circumstance.
With a plethora of managers being linked, Hammers News revealed the West Ham board is split six ways over who to appoint as Lopetegui’s replacement.
As a result no decision was made while deliberations continue.
The horrific incident involving Michail Antonio at the weekend has dampened stories of unrest in the dressing room for now.
But Lopetegui will not survive on goodwill if West Ham don’t beat Wolves.
Now it seems the board could be willing to appoint two managers.
A caretaker plan now being seriously considered by West Ham with an elite boss on way.
According to reporter Alex Crook, the Hammers are now discussing the possibility of hiring a manager on a temporary “caretaker” basis.
Maurizio Sarri Head coach of SS Lazio looks on in the background as Massimiliano Allegri Head coach of Juventus reacts during the Coppa Italia Quar...
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Elite boss Allegri on way but Hammers must wait claims report
The reason being that leading target, Max Allegri, wants the job.
But not until the end of the season when he can start afresh without jeopardising his reputation.
Crook claims on talkSPORT the Hammers and Allegri have held productive talks.
The Italian wants the job, but not halfway through the season.
So West Ham have a contingency plan to hire a caretaker to fill in until he arrives.
Allegri has recently been in London for an extended period while he undertakes English lessons.
It was recently claimed by a leading Sky Sports European football experts that was because Allegri is being lined up for the Hammers.
That was before the defeat to Leicester which proved the straw that broke the camel’s back for many fans.
It is not clear whether West Ham’s plan to appoint a caretaker would involve bringing in a manager from outside or promoting someone from within the club – such as Kevin Keen – on a six-month basis.
One thing is for certain, if the Hammers are going to do that just to get Allegri, it would be well worth the wait.
Allegri has won six Serie A titles amongst the 14 major trophies on his impressive CV.
The 57-year-old has also twice been runner-up in the Champions League final.
West Ham would be Allegri’s first managerial role outside of Italy.
But his pedigree should alleviate any fears over whether he would be a risk.
Related Posts