West Ham United are reluctant to wield the axe on Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten, despite mounting pressure following a dismal start to the season.
According to David Ornstein, the club’s hierarchy remain hopeful that the Spaniard can reverse their fortunes.
Speaking on Threads (11 November), Ornstein revealed insights from a “very well-placed” Hammers source, suggesting the board’s preference is to stay patient.
“Of course, pressure on Julen Lopetegui,” Ornstein said.
“But a source very well-placed has said to me today: they’re disappointed by results but they like to honour contracts – they hope and expect things to change.
“There will be scrutiny on him because the fans are turning. There will be scrutiny on Tim Steidten, the sporting director who brought Lopetegui in, and so many of the players in the summer window.
“He lives on for now, but it is delicate there.”
Lopetegui Given Reprieve
What initially seemed like a promising collaboration between Lopetegui and Steidten has quickly unravelled. The pair were tasked with reshaping the squad over the summer, but 11 games into the Premier League season, their efforts appear to have backfired.
Key signings such as Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Guido Rodriguez have established themselves as first-team regulars.
However, others like Luis Guilherme, Carlos Soler, and the injured Niclas Fullkrug have struggled to make an impact, leaving gaps in the squad.
Lopetegui hasn’t been short of financial backing either. The Hammers splashed over £120 million, with Rodriguez arriving at the manager’s specific request (Daily Mail, 24 October).
Yet, tactical missteps and questionable recruitment have contributed to a team that looks disjointed and underprepared.
Critical Weeks Ahead
The club’s loyalty to Lopetegui and Steidten could be tested further if results don’t improve swiftly. Fans’ patience is already wearing thin, and the longer West Ham languish in the bottom half, the more untenable the situation may become.
While it’s too early for definitive conclusions, the clock is ticking. For now, Lopetegui has another chance to prove his worth, but he must quickly find a way to get his expensively assembled squad firing.