Things aren’t going well at all for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United right now.
Wednesday night’s 5-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup really cranked the pressure up on West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui.
It has been suggested by some circles in the media that Saturday’s clash with Brentford is a ‘must-win’ game for the Hammers.
However, it has also been claimed by the English press that Lopetegui’s job is under no immediate threat…at the moment.
After signing so many top-class players in the summer, big things were expected of the Hammers.
However, Lopetegui has made an extremely slow start to life in charge of West Ham.
The 58-year-old is struggling to get his ideas across right now, and his team lack any kind of footballing identity.
Things need to change, and fast. But could time actually be nearly up already for Lopetegui?
Julen Lopetegui claim emerges, just 3 months after West Ham appointment
The Hammers have taken just four points from our opening five Premier League games so far this season.
A defeat to Brentford would see us drop really close to the relegation zone, and that would be a real disaster.
West Ham have some tough games to come before the end of October, with a trip to Tottenham and a home clash with Manchester United on the horizon.
Lopetegui will undoubtedly be feeling the heat now, especially after a report that has just emerged from his home country.
According to Spanish publication Sport (print edition September 27th), things couldn’t be worse at West Ham right now, and Lopetegui’s job is ‘in danger’.
I don’t think the Hammers board would even contemplate sacking Lopetegui just yet, but if results don’t improve fast, the Spaniard may well face some challenging questions.
Lopetegui needs time but signs of improvement a must
The problem that most Hammers fans have right now is that there aren’t any discernible signs of progress on the pitch.
The system looks clunky at the moment, and there is a lack of a proper footballing identity.
Progress takes time, so we do need to afford Lopetegui that at the very least.
However, I’m expecting to see big improvements over the next few weeks with regards to our playing style.
The new signings had better step up to the plate, and the same can be said for the old guard.
Saturday’s clash with Brentford will be a hugely important one. Hopefully Lopetegui guides us to a valuable three points.
