If West Ham United’s owners want to avoid a relegation scrap this season, then Julen Lopetegui needs to go—and the sooner, the better.
West Ham’s performance against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground was nothing short of disgraceful, and Lopetegui must shoulder much of the blame.
Yes, Edson Alvarez’s ridiculous sending-off didn’t help matters, but Lopetegui can’t hide behind that as an excuse.
From the first minute to the last, the Hammers were outplayed and outthought by Forest. The manner in which Lopetegui has handled things since taking over has been, quite frankly, appalling. For a manager of his experience, he’s made far too many mistakes.
It’s hard to believe that West Ham’s owners would be anything other than furious after witnessing such a lifeless display.
Lopetegui made some solid moves in the summer transfer window, but he’s been too slow to integrate players like Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville into the starting eleven.
By sticking with the same tired lineup that faltered last season, he’s squandered any early-season excitement.
The result? West Ham find themselves on the back foot, with Lopetegui digging a hole he seems increasingly unlikely to escape. In my view, there’s only one solution left for David Sullivan.
Sack Julen Lopetegui now and watch West Ham soar
If Sullivan acts now and parts ways with Lopetegui, it could save the Hammers’ season. I’m all for giving new managers time, but it’s clear that Lopetegui simply isn’t the right fit. West Ham lack any sense of footballing identity, and the manager appears clueless about how to turn things around.
West Ham should make a bold move and bring in Thomas Frank. Yes, he has a £9 million release clause, but Sullivan should pay it without hesitation if he’s serious about the club’s ambitions.
Frank has been my top choice for over a year now, and he’s more than proved his mettle at Brentford.
The 51-year-old has crafted an exciting, effective team at Brentford, consistently improving each player he signs. Look no further than Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Christian Norgaard as evidence of his transformative effect.
Imagine what Frank could do with West Ham’s current squad. Thomas Frank: A class above Julen Lopetegui
Frank’s tactical acumen and motivational skills are on another level compared to Lopetegui’s. Appointing him would be a masterstroke—the best £9 million West Ham could spend.
So, for once, Sullivan should take decisive action. Pay the release clause, make a professional appointment, and bring in someone who can elevate the team.
Sullivan didn’t hesitate to spend £50 million on Niclas Fullkrug and gamble on an unproven Brazilian teenager like Luis Guilherme. Why not invest in a manager who can genuinely improve the side?
I’m tired of the cautionary “be careful what you wish for” narrative. We wanted Moyes out because he was past his sell-by date, but we didn’t expect his Spanish equivalent to take over.
In my view, Lopetegui’s time at West Ham should come to an end. Thomas Frank is the visionary we need to take this club forward.
It’s time, Sully—pull the trigger.