Former Wolves manager facing the sack after just five months.
A bad result this weekend could spell the end of the 58-year-old’s five month reign in charge.
Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly facing the sack should West Ham lose heavily to Newcastle United at the weekend.
The 58-year-old was appointed as David Moyes successor in May and signed a a two-year deal with the option for a third. Just five months in to his tenure at the London Stadium, he’s already under pressure, and there are some media outlets there of the belief that should they lose at the weekend, he’ll go.
According to TEAMtalk, if West Ham suffer a heavy defeat to the Magpies, they ‘may’ move to bring in someone new and that Lopetegui will be sacked. West Ham want to bring someone who plays attractive football, and believe their attempts to appoint Ruben Amorim earlier this year showcases their ambition.
The shortlist to replace Lopetegui has already been drawn up and apparently AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is being eyed up by a number of top sides, but the Cherries are keen to stick with him. Graham Potter who has been out of work for more than a year now is another candidate, whilst Edin Terzic who guided Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final is ready to make a return to management.
West Ham have Arsenal in their next game after Newcastle United, and the games are being described as key. They currently find themselves 14th in the league table, five points above the relegation zone, but also five points off a European place.
Lopetegui has already managed against his former club Wolves in a pre-season friendly, with Gary O’Neil outwitting him in a 3-1 defeat in Florida. Wolves are due to make the trip to the capital to face the Hammers on Monday, December 9, which will see ex-club captain Max Kilman play against his former side following his £40m move in the summer.
