Julen Lopetegui, West Ham badge
Julen Lopetegui, West Ham head coach. Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Thu 12 December 2024 18:40, UK
Julen Lopetegui bought himself a sliver of time after West Ham defeated Wolves at the London Stadium on Monday.
The Hammers fans erupted as Jarrod Bowen fired home past Sam Johnstone, only for Matt Doherty’s strike to instantly silence the crowd and pile the pressure on Lopetegui.
Luckily for the Spaniard, Tomas Soucek popped up at the right time to seal all three points against Gary O’Neil’s side, another manager who looks to be struggling this season.
Following an awful start to the campaign, compiled by losses to Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and especially Leicester City over the past few weeks, all eyes have been on the head coach.
David Sullivan is also facing criticism as fans crank up the heat on Lopetegui’s future in East London, and they might be about to get their wish after the latest update from Sami Mokbel.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
West Ham United to sack Julen Lopetegui after Bournemouth clash?
Writing for the Daily Mail [12 December], Mokbel said: “Graham Potter was the leading contender to replace West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui this week if the London Stadium side had lost to Wolves.”
He also added: “Another bad result against Bournemouth on Monday night will see Lopetegui back under pressure with Potter likely to remain in contention for the position if West Ham’s owners decide to change.”
Given how the Cherries are performing this season, Lopetegui will be sweating over the idea of the Hammers’ trip to the Vitality Stadium on Monday 16 December.
Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]
While the London club have not lost any of the last five meetings, their current form would suggest that anything other than a defeat would be a positive for the Hammers.
Of course, with Lopetegui under such immense pressure to win games, anything other than a victory could spell the end of his time in East London already.
In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor has raised concerns over the “hot favourite” to replace Julen Lopetegui.
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