A host of top sources have claimed Julen Lopetegui’s future is still very much on the line at West Ham so this news will make him very nervous.
Ahead of Wolves, West Ham’s owners reportedly told Julen Lopetegui he must win the next four matches to save his job.
The Hammers narrowly – and extremely fortunately – ticked one off by edging out Wolves 2-1.
But now Lopetegui faces very different propositions in the form of Bournemouth and Brighton.
The Cherries and Seagulls are two of the Premier League’s most exciting, high-flying sides under the kind of innovative young managers West Ham fans had hoped for when parting company with David Moyes.
Journalists Jacob Steinberg, Sami Mokbel and Jack Rosser are all well connected at West Ham.
So it is telling that all three have stated Lopetegui’s job is still under threat as the Hammers go to the Vitality.
It’s said that a poor defeat on the south coast could finally be curtains for the Spaniard, who has presided over just five league wins from 15 so far.
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West Ham are said to have Graham Potter primed to take over if and when they pull the trigger on Lopetegui.
While winning against Wolves was all-important, West Ham’s owners were far from impressed by what they saw.
The pressure remains very much on the 58-year-old.
Julen Lopetegui, Manager of West Ham United looks on ahead of the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at...
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Lopetegui’s job still on the line at West Ham
So he will be extremely nervous about a situation facing him which could have huge ramifications for his job security.
Because four major West Ham stars are in grave danger of missing what may be Lopetegui’s last game.
It threatens to gut what is already deemed the weakest area of the team too.
West Ham’s midfield dynamic simply hasn’t worked all year, let alone this season.
In fact one of the only games where it has was the 2-0 win at Newcastle.
Between them Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten have put together an incoherent mix of players lacking in pace, athleticism or power.
Big headache looming for Lopetegui
It’s made West Ham far too easy to play through, offering almost no real protection for the back four.
That has been exposed week in, week out and was even the case against woeful Wolves.
Believe it or not, things could get even worse in the middle of the park.
Lopetegui could be sacked if West Ham suffer a poor defeat at Bournemouth.
In fact that’s exactly what Paul Merson believes will happen to the Hammers and their boss.
If the former Spain manager does cling on to his job regardless, though, then it will all come down to the home game against Brighton next weekend.
Split image of Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, Guido Rodriguez, and Julen Lopetegui.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Four major West Ham stars in danger of missing what may be Lopetegui’s last game
And four key players in the heart of the team could be missing as they’re walking a disciplinary tight-rope at Bournemouth.
Carlos Soler has arguably been West Ham’s best player since coming into the starting XI at Newcastle.
The ever-reliable Tomas Soucek has not been too far behind him either.
Both will be banned for the Brighton game if they pick up yellow cards at Bournemouth.
But they’re not the only ones.
The players who would fill in for them, Lucas Paqueta and Guido Rodriguez, are one booking away from a ban.
It’s inevitable those players will pick up a yellow soon either way given the position they play.
So West Ham’s midfield could be significantly disrupted in the coming weeks.
That’s the last thing Lopetegui needs as he fights to stay in the job.
Being on the cusp on a ban may also affect how the stars can approach the Bournemouth game.
Losing either Soler or Soucek could have a very detrimental impact.
Soler has been one of the few highlights of recent weeks and is just a goal or assist away from really starting to make his name.
Soucek continues to show just how important he is, scoring that vital opener against Wolves.
Losing either would hit the side hard. Being without both could be fatal for Lopetegui.
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