Julen Lopetegui finds himself on the brink at West Ham United, with his tenure hanging by a thread.
The West Ham hierarchy are reportedly prepared to sack the Spaniard if the team suffers heavy defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal following the international break.
Lopetegui’s reign has been a disappointment, with the Hammers underperforming despite a summer outlay exceeding £120 million.
Currently hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, West Ham’s struggles have left fans and owners alike frustrated.
Given the club’s significant investment, their poor league position is unacceptable. Lopetegui, 58, appears to be on borrowed time, and few would be surprised to see him axed if results don’t improve swiftly.
In truth, Lopetegui’s position is so precarious that he seems like a “dead man walking” at the London Stadium.
Frank Lampard Won’t Be Heading to West Ham
While speculation mounts over Lopetegui’s future, one rumoured replacement, Frank Lampard, will not be taking over in East London.
According to The Telegraph, the 46-year-old is now in advanced talks to become Coventry City’s next manager, putting an end to whispers linking him with the Hammers.
Thankfully, this particular saga can be laid to rest.
Despite his history with West Ham, Lampard has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the London Stadium job in recent weeks. However, these reports always seemed far-fetched.
Lampard’s relationship with West Ham supporters soured when he pushed for a move to Chelsea in 2001. After joining the Blues, he repeatedly criticised the club and its fans, further alienating himself from the Hammers faithful.
Given that history, a return to West Ham always seemed improbable. As much as fans wouldn’t have welcomed him, it’s equally unlikely Lampard would have been eager to take the reins.
The rumours of Lampard becoming West Ham’s next manager were always far-fetched. Thankfully, those unfounded reports can now be dismissed as he focuses on a potential move to Coventry.
For West Ham, the immediate priority remains their underperforming team and the looming question of Lopetegui’s future. The coming weeks could prove decisive for all involved.