Julen Lopetegui is reportedly unhappy at West Ham. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Julen Lopetegui’s time at West Ham promised a lot but has been an absolute disaster, so it’s no surprise to hear that the Spaniard, like the club’s fans, are unhappy with his fortunes in the London Stadium.
Results continue to go from bad to worse, and another lackluster performance, this time against Everton, left West Ham players question a specific decision by Lopetegui.
it is it has already been suggested that the Spaniard could be sackedand with the international bracket now upon us, it would be the perfect time for the Hammers to cut ties.
This would give any new starters time to assess what they have in place over the next 6-8 weeks, before making a splash in the transfer market as needed.
Julen Lopetegui could decide to leave West Ham of his own free will
That would require David Sullivan to dip into his coffers again, in addition to paying Lopetegui, and Sullivan’s way of doing things as cheaply as possible is likely to ensure the Spaniard escapes the hanging loop a little more.
Unless the coach takes it upon himself to leave the club.
“Through it all (pre-match press conference for the Everton game), Lopetegui looked exhausted, like a man under strain, although the exhausted demeanor is what he has carried throughout his career, including in the good times,” said reporter Tom. Allnutt wrote The Times (subscription required).
“These are not good times. The performances have been flat, there is no sense of freshness or direction…
“It should come as no surprise, then, that Lopetegui only perked up when asked about his plans to return home during next week’s international break.
“He will spend two or three days in Asteasu, a sleepy town 15 miles south of San Sebastian, staying with his father, Jose Antonio, who will be 95 next month and was once a Basque champion lifting of stones”.
West Ham are fortunate that, at least for now, there are three worse clubs in the Premier League, and it would take a string of stunning results to see them fall into relegation trouble.
However, the Irons should still look to the other end of the table and a permanent residence there.
That, presumably, was the whole reason Lopetegui was hired in the first place.
His reputation is in tatters at the moment, and there’s a compelling argument to be made as to why he himself might decide to jump ship to ensure he can still work elsewhere.
Flogging a dead horse seems to be the order of the day at the London Stadium, and frankly, it doesn’t do anyone any favors.
