After just three wins in his first 10 Premier League matches, Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham already has many fans questioning his future.
Disappointment runs deep, not only due to the poor results but because the team seems devoid of a clear style or identity.
West Ham supporters are increasingly frustrated by uninspiring performances, which have only added to the pressure on Lopetegui.
In recent weeks, I’ve argued for patience, suggesting it’s too early to make definitive judgments on Lopetegui’s ability to build on the foundation David Moyes established over the past four years.
However, after West Ham’s 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify that stance.
The defeat was not only disappointing but suggested little progress, and there are scant signs that the players are truly aligned with his vision or tactics.
One bright spot seemed to emerge in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United, where a strong second-half performance hinted that Lopetegui might have found his best starting XI and a formation that could bring out the players’ potential.
Fans assumed this momentum would carry forward, especially with a stable lineup. However, Lopetegui made unexpected changes to both the lineup and formation against Forest, opting for a back five—a strategy last seen in a 3-0 loss to Chelsea.
The decision to deviate from a seemingly effective setup has baffled supporters and undermined confidence in his approach.
Given these factors, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lopetegui’s position was under serious threat. With a summer of substantial investment and high expectations, the lack of on-field progress is becoming increasingly difficult to excuse.
However, reports suggest the West Ham board is not ready to make a swift decision. According to Football Insider, the club’s hierarchy still views Lopetegui as a “long-term” appointment and is reluctant to rush into a sacking.
The timing couldn’t be more critical, with a crucial match against Everton looming at the London Stadium.
Given the upcoming fixtures—a trip to Newcastle followed by a home clash with Arsenal after the international break—it’s clear that a failure to beat Everton could leave West Ham in a precarious position heading into December’s busy schedule.
While the report acknowledges that a loss to Everton could trigger serious concern within the boardroom, it implies that even a defeat might not prompt immediate action.
If this is accurate, it suggests that West Ham may have to endure another two tough fixtures before any managerial change is considered, even if results continue to disappoint.
This indecisiveness only adds to the confusion and frustration among the fanbase. Many had hoped the victory over Manchester United would be a turning point, a foundation on which Lopetegui could build.
But his refusal to stick with the successful tactics and lineup from that game has eroded much of the patience he initially received.
Simply put, Lopetegui’s time is running out. The game against Everton feels like a defining moment—not only for Lopetegui’s tenure but for the season itself.
Anything less than three points would leave West Ham in a vulnerable position, and if the board hesitates to act, the club may find itself battling in the relegation mire as the festive period approaches.