West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has spoken out against the club’s decision to appoint Julen Lopetegui as manager.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Steidten, along with other figures in the club’s hierarchy, was not in favor of Lopetegui’s appointment and had advised against West Ham owner David Sullivan. However, Sullivan was convinced by Lopetegui after meeting him in April.
talking with Hammer NewsBailey explained that Steidten preferred a different manager, someone who would suit the West Ham squad better and take ownership of the team in a different direction to the style of David Moyes and Lopetegui.
Despite these internal reservations, Sullivan’s preference prevailed and Lopetegui was appointed.
Bailey noted that Steidten helped finalize the deal for Lopetegui, even though he was not his preferred choice. Sullivan, however, was sold on Lopetegui’s vision, although concerns were raised about potential problems with his appointment. He said:
“I understand Tim Steidten helped finalize the deal for Lopetegui, but it wasn’t his call to bring him in, far from it.”
“Steidten wanted to bring in a manager who he believed would suit the team in the future, someone different to David Moyes and indeed Lopetegui.
“However, David Sullivan was won over by Lopetegui after meeting in April, and that was the deciding factor. Sullivan was warned by Steidten, and others within the club’s hierarchy, about the problems that they could arise from naming it.
“Unfortunately for West Ham things are not working out as David Sullivan hoped, but he does believe Lopetegui can and will do well.”
West Ham’s bad start to the season
West Ham have had a poor start to the season, winning just one game in their first 5, losing 3 and drawing another. He is currently in 14th place with only 4 points.
They were one of the most active clubs in the summer transfer window, signing 14 new players and spending over £100 million. Despite the squad overhaul, the team’s performance has not improved, which has put pressure on Lopetegui.
Fans have already started to turn against him, and boos could be heard around the stadium during the defeat to Chelsea last week.
The Spanish manager will have to turn things around quickly, as his position may become untenable if results do not improve soon, especially considering that some within the club – including Steidten – were not convinced of his appointment since beginning
