Julen Lopetegui’s time as West Ham United manager has been disappointing, and the outlook does not seem promising. After the 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday, there is a growing sense that things are not improving under his leadership. The atmosphere around the team has turned toxic, with frustrations rising both inside and outside the club. Despite claims from insiders that there haven’t been any talks about Lopetegui’s future yet, the pressure is mounting, and it’s hard to see how the situation will improve.
Just four months into his tenure, the feeling at the London Stadium is one of stagnation. The team is struggling, and it’s clear that Lopetegui’s methods are not getting the best out of the players. Some reports suggest that one of the main reasons for the team’s poor form could be a breakdown in communication between the manager and the players. Lopetegui’s behavior on the touchline, including his exaggerated gestures and instructions, is said to be more confusing than helpful. The players are reportedly unsure of what he’s asking of them, which is hindering their ability to perform on the field. This lack of clarity is a serious issue, as effective communication between a manager and players is crucial for success.
The football being played under Lopetegui has been uninspiring, and there is no clear identity or style of play. When a new manager takes charge of a team, fans expect to see an immediate difference in how the team plays. Unfortunately, West Ham has yet to show any real improvement in terms of tactics or performance. The team’s football is sluggish, and they have struggled to create consistent attacking opportunities. Lopetegui has been in charge for over four months, and there are still no signs of the team developing a distinct, successful playing style. This lack of progress is frustrating for the fans, especially given the expectations that come with a managerial change.
The team’s results are also a major concern. West Ham has only earned 12 points from their first 11 games, which is far below the standard expected for a club of their size and ambition. While they have faced some difficult opponents, they have also had winnable matches, such as the games against Ipswich and Everton at home. In an ideal world, West Ham should have accumulated at least 16 points by now. The poor return of points leaves the team in a precarious position, and the pressure on Lopetegui is growing with every passing week.
One of the key issues this season has been the fitness and energy levels of the players. The team has looked sluggish and lacking in intensity, especially in the second half of games. This is worrying, as the Premier League is a highly competitive league where energy and fitness are critical for success. Poor recruitment is partly to blame for this issue. West Ham needed to strengthen their midfield with more pace and power, but Lopetegui did not address this gap during the transfer window. As a result, the team has struggled to dominate midfield battles and control games. The lack of athleticism in key areas has hurt West Ham, and it is unclear why Lopetegui did not prioritize these issues when making new signings.
Another point of frustration for fans is that there appears to be little difference between Lopetegui’s playing style and that of David Moyes, the manager he replaced. When Moyes was dismissed, there was hope for a fresh approach, one that would bring more excitement and attacking football. However, under Lopetegui, the team has largely played in the same defensive, cautious manner that was characteristic of Moyes’ tenure. If the team were getting results, this might be more acceptable, but given that West Ham is not winning consistently, this lack of change is only making matters worse.
The club’s poor form is beginning to take its toll, and there is growing speculation that Lopetegui may not be the right man to lead West Ham forward. If the team continues to struggle, it will be hard for the board to justify keeping him in charge. For now, the fans remain frustrated, and it seems that unless there is a drastic improvement soon, Lopetegui’s time at West Ham may come to an end. With no clear identity, disappointing results, and growing concerns about his methods, the pressure on the Spanish coach is mounting. It remains to be seen how much longer he will be able to hold onto his job, but unless things change quickly, it seems inevitable that his tenure will be short-lived.
