West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui faces growing discontent from the fanbase, with talkSPORT broadcaster Adrian Durham warning that the Spaniard’s time could be up in January if the Hammers suffer an early FA Cup exit.
Speaking live on air with Perry Groves on 3 November, Durham suggested that a loss to lower-league opposition in the competition could push the fanbase “over the edge.”
With West Ham currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, patience is wearing thin following significant investment over the summer that has yet to yield results.
“When they go out of the FA Cup in the third round at Mansfield Town in January, that could be the end for Lopetegui,” said Durham.
“I’ve plucked [Mansfield] out of nowhere – they’re winning the FA Cup now. But as I’ve said, an in-form lower league team, who knows, but that could be what tips it over the edge with the West Ham fans.”
Reflecting on the reaction to Lopetegui’s appointment, Durham added: “They were divided on David Moyes, they were probably all a bit unsure as to whether Lopetegui was the right man, but now they’re definitely wondering. It could take something like that which could lead to him being removed in January.”
The Hammers’ summer saw major changes, as co-owner David Sullivan restructured the club by replacing Moyes with Lopetegui and transitioning to a head coach model.
Sporting director Tim Steidten has taken the reins on football operations, with Lopetegui primarily responsible for managing the team.
However, West Ham’s recent performances have underwhelmed supporters, especially after the club spent over £100 million on new signings with high expectations.
Currently, West Ham sit six points clear of the relegation zone, but Durham’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans who felt Lopetegui was too similar to Moyes in approach and were hoping for a younger, more progressive coach to take the reins.
Despite the changes and financial backing, Lopetegui’s impact has been minimal, with the team securing just three wins from their opening ten Premier League matches.
The Spaniard’s position has been further complicated by some lacklustre performances that have left fans questioning whether he is the right man to lead West Ham forward.
With a string of crucial fixtures approaching in the lead-up to Christmas, Lopetegui faces mounting pressure to steer the Hammers out of their current slump.
The next few weeks will likely determine whether Lopetegui can turn things around or face the possibility of an early exit from the London Stadium, particularly if his side fails to progress in the FA Cup.