Football Today
·22 November 2024
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·22 November 2024
West Ham United have endured a miserable start to the season.
The Hammers are languishing in 14th after 11 matches in the Premier League, with five points above the relegation zone.
Julen Lopetegui is under serious pressure to deliver results, with West Ham reportedly considering other candidates in case they decide to sack the Spaniard.
The upcoming fixture against Newcastle United could be hugely significant for Lopetegui, who must avoid defeat at St James’ Park to keep himself safe.
However, BBC football pundit Chris Sutton is not expecting any relief for the 58-year-old. He is backing Newcastle to continue their good form on Monday by winning 2-1 against West Ham.
Writing for BBC Sport, Sutton said: “It feels to me like Southampton’s Russell Martin is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him.
“I was at this game last season, when Newcastle won 4-3 after being 3-1 down, and it was probably one of the results that meant Lopetegui’s predecessor, David Moyes, was not offered a new deal.
“I think Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they’ve seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.
“I don’t see them getting any joy at St James’ Park this time, either. Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too”.
David Moyes came under a lot of criticism from West Ham fans for his negative brand of football.
They appointed Lopetegui to introduce an exciting style of play, but the Spaniard has completely failed to do that.
Not only the Hammers are currently playing boring football, they are also producing very poor results.
It makes sense if the club’s hierarchy decide to pull the trigger on Lopetegui, who looks to have no planning or vision for the club.
The East Londoners spent heavily on nine new players in the summer, but the former Real Madrid boss has failed to get a tune out of them.
He is expected to lose the next two matches against Newcastle and Arsenal, which could likely result in his dismissal.
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