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JULEN LOPETEGUI is said to be facing increasing pressure to retain his role at West Ham, with just two matches left to demonstrate his worth.
The Spanish manager succeeded David Moyes this past summer following Moyes’ exit.
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Credit: PA
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Credit: Reuters
Lopetegui, 58, has experienced a tough start at the club, with West Ham currently sitting in the lower tier of the league standings.
West Ham has achieved only six wins from their 19 league games, with their most recent performance ending in a 5-0 loss to Liverpool at the London Stadium.
This disappointing result has intensified the scrutiny on the former Real Madrid coach.
TalkSPORT reports that the West Ham management has allowed Lopetegui two games to improve his standing.
Earlier this season, he narrowly escaped dismissal after a crucial victory over Wolves at the London Stadium.
The match was dubbed ‘El Sackio’ due to the pressure faced by both him and former Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil.
While both managers retained their positions at that time, O’Neil was terminated just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.
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Reports indicate that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is on standby should Lopetegui be relieved of his duties.
The English coach has been jobless since his ousting by the Blues in 2023.
Graham Potter acknowledges he’s ‘considering his options’ as speculation about his potential succession of Julen Lopetegui at West Ham grows.
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Credit: AFP
Potter was at the helm at Stamford Bridge for merely eight months following his departure from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Moreover, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been speculated as potential contenders for the position in East London.
Lopetegui’s tenure has encountered numerous obstacles.
Most recently, he has had to cope with a serious car accident that has sidelined key forward Michail Antonio for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, his father, Jose, tragically passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after battling health challenges.
West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also sadly lost his life at just 15 after a battle with cancer.
Prior to the setback against Liverpool, West Ham had enjoyed an unbeaten streak of four matches.
During that span, they achieved victories over Wolves and Southampton, along with draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion.
