Julen Lopetegui West Ham Alan Pardew
Julen Lopetegui is still under pressure at Alan Pardew's former club West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Fri 20 December 2024 16:10, UK
Alan Pardew has blasted West Ham for their “ridiculous” start to the season.
The Hammers are currently in 14th place in the Premier League with a seven-point buffer from the relegation zone and six points away from a European qualification spot.
Manager Julen Lopetegui has been under immense scrutiny at the London Stadium and his Irons side need a result against Brighton (21 December) to ease the pressure on the Spaniard.
Speaking on talkSPORT [20 December, 8:56] Pardew slammed his former club’s performance so far this season, saying: “West Ham, I mean their season is just ridiculous for the squad they have.
“They should be way, way higher in the league, they have a front four that can match anybody in the top eight.”
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Pardew is right, West Ham should be higher
It is little surprise that speculation continues on Lopetegui’s future, his Hammers side has dramatically underwhelmed so far.
The Irons spent approximately £120 million last summer on nine players, which only served to increase supporters’ expectations.
However, performances on the pitch have not lived up to the hype and that has led to questions about sporting director Tim Stiedten’s future in East London.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]
There is still time for the Hammers to turn their season around and the results in the past two games have resulted in hope that Lopetegui can do exactly that.
The Irons beat relegation candidates Wolves at home before being denied at the death by a stunning free-kick again against sixth-placed Bournemouth.
They will hope to beat Brighton and gain the momentum needed to revitalise their dismal campaign.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers could ‘rip up’ the contract of a disappointing free agent according to a report.
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