David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, may be regretting his decision to appoint Julen Lopetegui as the club’s manager earlier this year. Despite the optimism surrounding the Spanish coach’s appointment, the Hammers’ struggles have only intensified under his guidance, leading to growing frustration among fans and doubts within the boardroom. Since the summer, West Ham’s performances have been disappointing, leaving Sullivan to wonder whether he made a mistake, especially given the club’s struggles in the second half of last season.
Lopetegui was handed a two-year contract in June, but his time at the helm has been underwhelming. There is a palpable sense of toxicity at the London Stadium, which many attribute to Lopetegui’s ineptitude. Critics argue that Sullivan could have gone for a more established manager, such as Ruben Amorim, Thomas Frank, or Marco Silva, who might have been able to inject new life into the team. Instead, the decision to hire Lopetegui now seems questionable, especially given the club’s ongoing issues.
The board, though publicly supportive of Lopetegui, has reportedly made it clear that results must improve swiftly. Despite this backing, there is a growing belief that the Spaniard’s tenure will not last much longer, with some predicting that he will be out by the end of November. This is not an unreasonable assumption, given the club’s trajectory and the mounting pressure on the manager.
Many fans have called for Lopetegui’s dismissal in recent weeks, with the team failing to show any signs of improvement. The lack of a clear identity and tactical coherence has been one of the major criticisms of Lopetegui’s reign. His decision-making, especially in terms of player selection and match tactics, has left many scratching their heads. Even though the international break offers a temporary respite, the question remains: should Sullivan act now or wait for the right moment?
I believe the latter option is the more sensible course of action. While it may seem tempting to make a change immediately, it would be premature to sack Lopetegui before the upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Arsenal. These are difficult matches for any team, and it’s unlikely that a new manager would have enough time to make a significant impact before facing such formidable opponents. Losing those matches, as expected, might actually lessen the immediate pressure on the team and provide a clearer path for a managerial change after the international break.
The crucial window for action would come after the Arsenal match on November 30th. Looking ahead to West Ham’s next set of fixtures, the schedule becomes significantly more favorable. After Arsenal, the Hammers will face Leicester, Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Southampton before Christmas. This run of games presents a perfect opportunity for a new manager to make an immediate impact, with a potential 10-point return from those five matches providing a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
A change in management could bring about the so-called “new manager bounce,” which could help West Ham regain form and confidence. Bringing in a manager like Graham Potter, Jose Mourinho, Maurizio Sarri, or Sergio Conceicao could be the catalyst needed for a strong push towards the top half of the table. A fresh approach, tactical clarity, and the right leadership are crucial if West Ham hopes to challenge for a top-seven finish this season.
In summary, while the calls for Lopetegui’s sacking are growing louder, David Sullivan should resist the temptation to make an impulsive decision. November 30th should be the key date for any managerial change. With a favorable run of fixtures following Arsenal, this could be the perfect moment to bring in a new manager who can turn the team’s fortunes around and guide them to a successful season. For now, West Ham must endure the frustration of Lopetegui’s reign, but Sullivan’s next big decision will shape the future of the club.
