West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui is under intense scrutiny, and many would argue it’s justified.
The Spanish manager has struggled to make a positive impact at the London Stadium, failing to win over a skeptical fanbase since his arrival.
One prominent journalist recently suggested that a well-run club would already be looking at replacements, with reports even claiming Lopetegui is on the verge of being sacked. Rumours indicate Edin Terzic is being lined up as a potential successor.
Things aren’t about to get easier for Lopetegui and West Ham after the international break. A must-win clash against Everton looms on Saturday, followed by challenging encounters with Newcastle and Arsenal before the month’s end.
Personally, I don’t believe Lopetegui has a firm grasp on what he’s doing, and I think a change is necessary to prevent further decline. One aspect that stands out is his deteriorating relationship with two key players – a dynamic that’s been costly this season.
In my view, tensions behind the scenes are impacting the squad’s performance. Over the past five weeks, three separate incidents hint that all is not well between Lopetegui and certain players, notably Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus.
Both players have picked up three red cards since 25th September, and I’m convinced these incidents reflect deeper issues between the players and their manager.
If these players respected Lopetegui, I doubt we’d have seen these unnecessary disciplinary problems.
Kudus’s actions during the away match at Tottenham were, frankly, indefensible. His outburst wasn’t evidence of a fighting spirit – it was pure recklessness.
Similarly, Alvarez’s two red cards, stemming from rash challenges, speak to a lack of discipline.
Notably, in his social media apology, the Mexican midfielder didn’t even acknowledge Lopetegui, a glaring omission that raises questions about their relationship.
It’s difficult not to conclude that Lopetegui has fallen out with both players, a situation that urgently needs resolving. The fans are the ones suffering most from this unrest, and with West Ham’s season at stake, swift action is essential.
There’s a sense that all is not right at the London Stadium. Certain players are clearly letting their professionalism slip, and unless this issue is addressed, hopes of any real success in the 2024/25 campaign seem remote.
For West Ham to progress, discipline and unity must return, starting with a resolution between Lopetegui and his squad.