Speculation is mounting over the future of Julen Lopetegui as West Ham’s manager, with rumours circulating that his job could be on the line should the Hammers fall to Everton this weekend.
It’s little wonder, given the club’s poor form and underwhelming performances since Lopetegui replaced David Moyes. With the international break looming, Saturday’s clash at the London Stadium feels like a decisive moment.
West Ham fans will arrive on Saturday in hopeful spirits, but their side will be without star player Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez, the latter’s absence felt to a lesser extent.
Lopetegui has come under intense criticism for his tactics, team selections, and man-management approach, with many feeling he’s yet to establish a cohesive vision for the side.
Despite a public show of support from West Ham’s owners, certain reports tell a different story.
Journalists like Florian Plettenberg, Fabrizio Romano, and Ben Jacobs claim West Ham’s board has already put two replacement managers on standby.
The uncertainty has led to mixed narratives, with some suggesting the Everton clash will determine Lopetegui’s fate, while others, including The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, say it won’t be decisive.
Roshane Thomas of The Athletic argues otherwise, hinting the match could indeed be pivotal for Lopetegui.
Meanwhile, the media’s coverage has frequently referenced former manager David Moyes, with some pundits almost relishing West Ham’s current struggles.
Figures like Richard Keys have suggested the club should have been more careful in parting ways with Moyes, sparking a chorus among Hammers fans that while they wanted a change, Lopetegui wasn’t necessarily their first choice.
“Moyes must be sat with his feet up laughing’ has become a familiar refrain in some outlets.
Yet, many fans remember that the issues seen under Lopetegui had begun to take root during Moyes’ tenure. In fact, West Ham have only managed nine wins in 38 games throughout 2024, a record that stretches back to Moyes’ time in charge.
Some media reports have painted Moyes’ recent comments about West Ham’s struggles as gloating, but the former Hammers boss has actually been supportive of Lopetegui.
On BBC’s Football Daily podcast, Moyes urged patience for his successor, pointing out that every manager needs time to implement their vision.
“I had a few defeats where we lost heavily at different times, so it happens for all managers,” Moyes said.
“I think the new manager coming in needs time and to be given that opportunity to set things the way he wants them to happen.”
Moyes noted the change in West Ham’s style, adding: “They look as if they’re a bit more open than they’ve been before and more liable possibly to concede. But they’re desperately trying to score more goals as well.”
Reflecting on West Ham’s absence from European competitions this season, Moyes remarked that the squad should be fresher and able to perform at a higher level domestically.
“This time last year, I think we’d played about five or six more games than what they have just now, because we had the European competition to compete with as well. So the players should be much fresher (and have) bigger energy (and be) showing that.”
In a direct appeal to West Ham’s players, Moyes added:
“Sometimes players need to perform as well, they need to step up and show what they’re about. I’m sure a few of them can play better and show the manager exactly what they can do.”
Moyes’ words reflect the wisdom of a manager who knows the pressures of Premier League survival.
While the media frenzy speculates on Lopetegui’s future, Moyes has taken the high road, reminding West Ham’s players and fans alike that success often demands both patience and performance.