Julen Lopetegui is facing mounting pressure to retain his position as West Ham United manager, with crucial upcoming matches against Newcastle United and Arsenal likely to determine his fate. The former Real Madrid coach, aged 58, took over the Hammers during the summer after the departure of long-serving manager David Moyes. However, Lopetegui has struggled to make a positive impact and has yet to win over the club’s supporters.
West Ham has managed just three victories in 11 Premier League games this season, leaving the team five points above the relegation zone. While club majority owner David Sullivan is hesitant to make a managerial change midseason, concerns about the team’s poor performance have grown among the decision-makers at the club. The international break has reportedly been used to explore potential replacements, with serious consideration being given to a managerial change.
Several candidates have already been evaluated, including Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic, former Denmark national team coach Kasper Hjulmand, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt, and Stuttgart’s promising head coach, Sebastian Hoeness. According to reports, Lopetegui’s tenure may hinge on the outcomes of the next two matches, with a particularly poor result against Newcastle possibly leading to an earlier decision.
Criticism of Lopetegui’s tactics has intensified, especially after West Ham’s sluggish start to the season. Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction openly, even as early as September, when the team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea. Supporters booed the manager’s substitutions during that match, highlighting their disapproval of his decisions.
Lopetegui’s time in English football has been marked by challenges. His previous spell in the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, ended after just nine months, with Lopetegui stepping down as head coach at the start of last season.
Addressing the growing pressure, Lopetegui has expressed confidence in his ability to turn the situation around. He emphasized his experience managing under intense scrutiny throughout his career, stating, “I have lived with extra pressure from my first day as a coach. I know my job, what we are doing here, and what we can do.”
He added that his focus remains on daily improvement and the next match, while acknowledging the high-pressure nature of his role. “It is normal in our job. I am sure that we have a lot of time to change and to turn this bad moment into a good moment,” Lopetegui said. Despite his optimism, results in the upcoming games are likely to determine whether he remains in charge at West Ham.