West Ham’s owners have reassured fans that the unconvincing narrow win over Wolves has not suddenly guaranteed Julen Lopetegui’s future.
West Ham were largely uninspiring again as they edged out the worst team in the Premier League right now 2-1 at home.
Wolves justifiably felt they were the better side for large spells.
West Ham were also extremely fortunate not to give away a couple of penalties.
Meanwhile Konstantinos Mavropanos was guilty of a clear foul just before Jarrod Bowen’s excellent winner.
Hammers fans have been calling for Julen Lopetegui to be sacked following the shambolic defeats to Arsenal and Leicester.
Another pretty dismal first half was matched by the atmosphere at the London Stadium, which only ignited in honour of stricken forward Michail Antonio.
While a win is a win, many supporters have made it clear they still want a change of manager.
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Unconvinced West Ham keep pressure firmly on Lopetegui
There is a distinct feeling that the team is offering little by the way of identity and promise.
The consensus is that individual results in isolation are meaningless – especially against such a poor side.
It was claimed by multiple sources yesterday that Graham Potter has agreed to take over for the rest of the season should Lopetegui be axed.
Ahead of Wolves it was made clear by a source very close to majority owner David Sullivan that Lopetegui must win each of this clutch of four games.
Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten were pictured on the Sky Sports cameras looking glum-faced during the game.
After squeaking a win against Wolves, many supporters have voiced frustration that it may now unjustly secure Lopetegui’s future.
But Hammers fans will be reassured by word from the very highest echelons of the club today.
Because unconvinced West Ham are keeping the pressure firmly on Lopetegui with a major admission.
A spokesman for West Ham’s owners has been discussing the result, performance and concerns of supporters following the win over Wolves.
They are not only aware of serious doubts about the team, they actually share many of the same concerns.
The top London Stadium contact said the win was all-important.
But the pressure is still on Lopetegui to start getting a tune out of his expensively-assembled side when they head to Bournemouth this weekend before games against Brighton and Southampton.
West Ham United's Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui reacts prior to the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Wolverhapto...
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Hammers spokesman makes major admission
It was put to the spokesman for the owners that West Ham were a very tough watch again.
The fact the team was also yet again wide open at the back against a really poor outfit was also raised as a concern.
A lack of enthusiasm among supporters about where the team is heading under the manager was also put to the spokesman.
“Our judgement is exactly the same as yours,” the West Ham spokesman told Hammers News.
“But the win was omnipotent.”
It was felt before Wolves that Lopetegui needed four wins and nothing much has changed.
Although a draw against either the Cherries or Brighton might be seen as acceptable if it’s sandwiched by three victories before the Hammers face Liverpool.
Reiterating what Hammers News was told, board confidant Sean Whetstone stated the owners know much better is expected and needed for Lopetegui to survive.
“Julen Lopetegui’s job as West Ham head coach is safe for now confirms a club source,” Whetstone said.
“The board do NOT want to make a change at the moment, but are not stupid and realise results have to improve.
“Last night was NOT a great performance and long term the team have to be better.”
Julen Lopetegui job as West Ham head coach is safe for now confirms a club source.
The board do NOT want to make a change at the moment, but are not stupid and realise results have to improve.
Last night was NOT a great performance and long term the team have to be better. pic.twitter.com/AZ4nDFeLxb
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) December 10, 2024
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So there you have it West Ham fans, Lopetegui is nowhere near being out of the woods yet.
Nor should he be given the terrible start to his tenure.
The Hammers must show much more in the coming games and go on a winning run to jump up the league if the club are going to retain the manager into the new year.
The feeling after Wolves was that it was a win inspired more by the Antonio situation and Bowen brilliance as opposed to any grand plan from the manager.
Bournemouth and Brighton next will be entirely different propositions altogether.
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