West Ham United’s hierarchy remains hesitant to dismiss manager Julen Lopetegui, despite the mounting pressure on his position, according to recently-departed senior scout Mick Brown.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown, who worked within West Ham’s recruitment team until June, revealed that the club’s decision-makers are cautious about acting too hastily, wary of repeating past mistakes by sacking Lopetegui so early in the campaign.
However, the former scout admitted that the pressure on Lopetegui is undeniable, and with the club enduring a difficult start to the Premier League season, the Spaniard will need to turn things around quickly to retain his job.
After six games, West Ham have managed just one victory, making this the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season. As a result, questions are now being asked about Lopetegui’s leadership and his ability to adapt to the challenges of English football.
Football Insider previously reported on 21 September that West Ham’s board are prepared to give the former Sevilla and Spain boss more time to implement his ideas, as well as allow his new signings to adjust to the demands of the Premier League.
However, a 1-1 draw against Brentford in their latest fixture means the Hammers have only secured five points from a possible 18, leaving fans frustrated and calling for rapid improvements.
Mick Brown, speaking about the growing pressure on Lopetegui, highlighted the legacy left by his predecessor, David Moyes, as a significant factor.
Moyes, who led the Hammers to a Europa Conference League triumph and helped the club regularly qualify for European competition, set high standards that have raised expectations among supporters and the board alike.
“There’s more pressure on him after what David Moyes managed to do,” Brown told Football Insider.
“When 60,000 people are saying they don’t want this and they want a different type of football, the board have had to be careful with their decision.”
Despite the pressure, Brown emphasised the board’s determination not to rush into another managerial change. The owners, he said, are aware of the mistakes they have made in the past and are keen to avoid making another rash decision that could backfire.
“It’s always difficult trying to judge what the owners and directors will do. Their knowledge of the game is not great and they’ve made many mistakes in the past.
“They were warned to be careful what they wished for, but having made that decision [replacing Moyes with Lopetegui], they’re wary of making another mistake.”
Brown acknowledged that, despite the board’s caution, Lopetegui’s position remains precarious if results do not improve.
“I don’t know Lopetegui and I don’t know how he works, but if we’re looking at the results he’s had so far, which is what the game is about, he’s definitely at risk.
“Results will need to improve because one win in six games isn’t good enough after what David Moyes has done.”