Harry Redknapp has urged patience from West Ham United and Wolves, insisting it’s too early for either club to sack their manager, regardless of the outcome when the two sides clash on Monday night.
Julen Lopetegui, however, is under mounting scrutiny at the London Stadium after a dismal start to his tenure as West Ham boss.
With the team languishing in the lower half of the table and displaying a lack of cohesion, rumours are already swirling about potential replacements.
Reports suggest Michael Carrick is being lined up to step in if the Spaniard is dismissed.
Writing in The Sun on 8 December, Redknapp argued that despite the growing frustration, both clubs should resist rushing into managerial changes. He pointed to recruitment issues as a critical factor in their struggles.
“For me, it’s a bit early to be thinking about pulling the trigger, but West Ham and Wolves are sides that are struggling,” Redknapp said.
“A lot of it comes down to recruitment. I thought their signings looked good in the summer, but German striker Niclas Fullkrug has barely played because he has been injured since he arrived — although he did score that late goal at Leicester.
“I reckon both managers would take a draw, keep their jobs, and get a bit of time, because if anyone does lose the game, they’re going to be under severe pressure.”
The match against Wolves has been branded the “El-Sackico” due to the precarious positions of both managers.
For Lopetegui, in particular, it feels like a no-win situation. A victory might stave off his dismissal temporarily but will do little to address the deep frustrations among fans, while a loss would surely increase calls for his immediate sacking.
West Ham’s regression since qualifying for European football two seasons ago has been stark. Lopetegui’s tenure has been marked by a lack of tactical clarity and a failure to galvanise the squad, leaving many supporters disillusioned.
Even a win against Wolves won’t significantly improve their league standing, with the club currently four points adrift of Manchester United.
The pressure is immense, and Monday night’s encounter will likely fan the flames further at the London Stadium, leaving both clubs with plenty to ponder regardless of the result.
