Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham is hanging by a thread as he faces two pivotal fixtures that could determine his future. The club, which has been underperforming, is using the international break to explore managerial alternatives, with growing doubts about Lopetegui’s ability to turn things around. His fate now hinges on how the team performs in their next two matches, starting with a trip to Newcastle on Monday, followed by a home game against Arsenal the following Saturday. A string of poor results, particularly a heavy loss to Newcastle, could prompt the club to act swiftly and part ways with the Spaniard.
West Ham’s majority shareholder, David Sullivan, has traditionally been reluctant to make mid-season managerial changes. However, the pressure is mounting as the team’s inconsistent start leaves them just five points above the relegation zone, having won only three of their opening ten matches. While the club has not yet settled on a replacement, several high-profile candidates are reportedly under consideration. These include Edin Terzic, former manager of Borussia Dortmund, as well as Kasper Hjulmand, Roger Schmidt, and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness. The club is weighing both long-term and short-term options, though former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is believed to be less appealing to West Ham’s hierarchy.
The mood around the London Stadium has been flat, with the team failing to inspire in a goalless draw against Everton. Criticism has been leveled at Lopetegui’s tactics, with the players failing to deliver on the pitch, new signings struggling to integrate, and disciplinary issues coming to light. There are also growing concerns about the club’s recruitment strategy, which has added pressure on technical director Tim Steidten. While Steidten was involved in bringing Lopetegui to the club, it is reported that he has not been fully convinced by the manager’s approach.
Despite these challenges, West Ham would prefer not to make a hasty decision, as they value Lopetegui’s experience. The 58-year-old has managed top clubs like Porto, Sevilla, Wolves, Spain, and Real Madrid, and was available after leaving Wolves at the start of last season. However, with the club’s struggles continuing, the next two games could ultimately determine whether his time at West Ham comes to a premature end.
