Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United badge
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]
Carla Devine
Mon 23 December 2024 15:10, UK
Julen Lopetegui has struggled to find momentum ever since arriving at West Ham United, leading to plenty of speculation regarding his future.
The 58-year-old has failed to deliver a higher standard of football than was being played under David Moyes and the Irons find themselves sitting 14th in the table.
The Spaniard has been able to reduce some of the noise surrounding his job following a number of results that have left equal points away from the top six and the relegation zone.
However, how the next month or so goes could be the difference over whether Lopetegui has done enough to gain the time to work with his side or whether David Sullivan will make a change.
With this in mind, the manager will need to ensure that he makes the right additions to his squad during the January transfer window to improve his side.
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Hakim Ziyech could save Julen Lopetegui at West Ham
One name that has come up in conversation is Hakim Ziyech, as report from Spain suggest that the East London outfit are keen on the move.
With injury keeping Michail Antonio out of the side for the long term, the Hammers need to recruit a forward in January.
Jarrod Bowen is holding the fort up front currently, as Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus are struggling to produce performances on a consistent basis.
The 31-year-old is able to score goals and it feels as though he would be able to fit into this West Ham side nicely and have an impact in the side.
West Ham United's London Stadium
London Stadium, the home of West Ham United
We will no doubt be seeing the Irons deploy a different strategy in the January transfer window than they did in the summer with fewer big signings coming through the door although given Lopetegui has struggled to get those players singing, this may suit him better.
The upcoming month will be pivotal for the Spanish manager’s future at The London Stadium so it is vital he gets the business right and gets his new signings singing to reflect his own abilities as a manager. As an experienced head, Ziyech will surely be the type of player who can help the boss turn things around.
In other West Ham news, this player is prepared to accept a pay cut to secure his Hammers transfer.
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