West Ham United are standing firmly behind Julen Lopetegui despite a difficult start to the Premier League season, and contrary to speculation, they are not considering bringing back David Moyes, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Recent rumours had suggested that Moyes, who left the London Stadium only months ago, could make a surprising return to the club.
However, Romano has dismissed these claims, stating that West Ham have no plans to reappoint the Scottish manager. Instead, the club continues to back Lopetegui, even as results remain underwhelming.
This weekend’s 1-1 draw with Brentford marked yet another frustrating outing for the Hammers. Tomas Soucek’s second-half strike rescued a point, but it leaves Lopetegui’s side without a win since the international break. West Ham currently sit in 14th place after six matches, and the pressure is growing.
Lopetegui made a few adjustments to his starting line-up for the match, handing Jean-Clair Todibo his first Premier League start.
Michail Antonio also returned to the team, forming a front three alongside Jarrod Bowen and Mohamed Kudus. Despite these changes, West Ham struggled to impose themselves, once again lacking the sharpness needed to secure victory.
Their next Premier League fixture sees them face newly-promoted Ipswich Town before heading into the October international break, a match that now feels pivotal for Lopetegui to get his side back on track.
Romano, writing in his Daily Briefing, reinforced that West Ham remain committed to their current manager:
“Despite West Ham’s struggles and talk of a possible return for David Moyes as manager, I have zero information on this – zero confirmation, nothing at all.
“West Ham as a club keep supporting Julen Lopetegui and waiting for better results after many player changes in the summer. I have no info on Moyes returning or any idea, discussion or contact so far.”
Moyes, who left West Ham by mutual consent at the end of last season, had a largely successful spell at the club. During his four-and-a-half-year tenure, he led the Hammers to two top-seven Premier League finishes and famously won the 2023 Europa Conference League final, securing West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years.
However, a poor run of form last season, culminating in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea in May, saw Moyes come under intense pressure, and it was this result that reportedly sealed his departure from the club.
Despite a summer of heavy spending, with the club splashing nearly £140m on new recruits, Lopetegui’s side has struggled defensively, conceding 10 goals in their first six matches.
Only Wolves, Everton, and Leicester have conceded more so far this season, raising concerns that the defensive frailties that plagued Moyes’ final season are still present under his successor.