Julen Lopetegui: West Ham to decide on manager’s future by weekend
West Ham will decide Lopetegui’s short-term future at the weekend.
Lopetegui is under huge pressure Lost 3-1 to Leicester City on Tuesday Sources say the manager’s future depends on a club board meeting later this week.
The former Spain and Real Madrid coach signed a two-year deal in the summer to succeed David Moyes and he arrived at the London Stadium amid huge expectations.
West Ham have spent more than £120m on nine new players, believing Lopetegui can lead them back to Europe after missing last season for the first time in four years.
However, German striker Niklas Förkrug, who is worth £27m, is yet to start in the Premier League, and Brazilian youngster Luis Guilherme, who is worth £25.5m, has only played 11 minutes in two substitute appearances. There were a host of other newcomers, including EFL Player of the Year Crissencio Somerville, struggling for form.
While technical director Tim Stadelten is also under scrutiny, Lopetegui is the one feeling the pressure. The Hammers have won just one game in five games since a win over United on October 27 that triggered the sacking of United manager Erik ten Hag.
Tuesday’s results left West Ham in 14th place.
