Lopetegui only has himself to blame for West Ham sack after terrible decision. Julen Lopetegui opted to utilise Emerson at left-wing back for West Ham United against Liverpool in a decision that could partly cost him his job.
The Irons have so far failed to build on their Boxing Day victory against Southampton with what has been a dismal first half against Liverpool, the visitors dominating the game while being three goals to the good at half-time.
Alphonse Areola has been the only standout performer for the Hammers, replacing the recently injured Lukasz Fabianski, having denied the league leaders on several occasions, but that has to change if West Ham are to achieve a result and that starts with the hooking of Emerson.
The Italian has failed to have any influence in the clash and his inability to adapt to a left-wing role looks set to cost the Irons a result against Liverpool.
Julen Lopetegui needs to axe Emerson for West Ham
West Ham have struggled to have any real impact in the game with Liverpool dominating proceedings, perhaps as expected but the Irons need to do more and the hooking of Emerson would go a long way to achieving that.
Lopetegui’s decision to start a natural defender on the left wing was bizarre and it has backfired massively with him offering no attacking threat in the game having recorded a dismal 67 per cent pass accuracy while failing to create a chance (FotMob)
Emerson’s future at the club is in doubt and his reported unhappiness will likely only grow with Lopetegui forcing him to play out of position.
West Ham surely have little hope in rescuing even a point from the game, in truth, but they can at least give fans something to be proud of at half-time by changing things.
Beyond full-time today, though, it is looking like curtains for Lopetegui. A recent unbeaten run quietened the sack rumours, but he only has himself to blame if given the shove.
In other West Ham news, one Irons star received a place in Darren Bent’s Team of the Season so far.
