Sam Matterface has voiced his opinion that Jose Mourinho should not be the next manager of West Ham United, should the club decide to part ways with current boss Julen Lopetegui. Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Lopetegui’s future at the club, following a goalless draw against Everton on November 9, 2024, Matterface believes Mourinho is not the right fit for the Hammers. His comments came during an appearance on the *Premier League All Access* podcast, where he expressed admiration for the Portuguese manager but stated his belief that Mourinho’s time in English football has changed, and he is no longer the ideal candidate for a club like West Ham.
While acknowledging Mourinho’s incredible success in the past, particularly his achievements at Chelsea, Matterface emphasized that the former Roma manager is now more focused on personal branding and gaining media attention rather than building a team for sustained success. He pointed out that Mourinho’s current approach to management seems driven by social media “clicks and likes,” suggesting that his priorities may no longer align with what a club like West Ham requires. Despite the Portuguese coach’s legendary status in football, Matterface felt that his style, which once delivered unparalleled results, is no longer suitable for a Premier League club in need of long-term stability.
West Ham United’s current situation remains uncertain, with the club languishing just six points clear of the relegation zone as the international break approaches. This puts more pressure on the club’s ownership to make the right decisions, particularly regarding the future of Lopetegui. Many supporters have been frustrated by the team’s inconsistent performances under the Spaniard, and it’s widely acknowledged that his tenure so far has not been a success. The former Sevilla manager was appointed in the summer, but his pragmatic approach has not resonated with fans or players alike, and several key figures in the dressing room have reportedly not fully bought into his methods. With West Ham’s squad brimming with talent, many feel the club should be performing much better than they currently are.
The Hammers’ failure to achieve the kind of free-flowing, attacking football that fans have been crying out for has raised further concerns about the viability of Lopetegui’s tactics. He has struggled to impose a clear identity on the team, and his inability to motivate key players has led to a sense of malaise around the club. For many, it seems that Lopetegui’s departure is not a matter of if, but when, and the upcoming international break could provide an opportunity for West Ham to reset and reassess their managerial situation.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Lopetegui’s future and the dire position the club finds itself in, it’s imperative that West Ham’s next managerial appointment reflects a long-term vision for success. The club cannot afford another short-sighted decision, as their current trajectory threatens to lead them further into the relegation battle. Matterface’s rejection of Mourinho as a potential candidate underscores the need for a manager who can create stability, develop young talent, and establish a footballing philosophy that the players can get behind. While Mourinho may have brought success to clubs in the past, the reality of his current approach to management seems at odds with what West Ham need at this juncture.
With the club’s future hanging in the balance, it’s clear that David Sullivan and the West Ham board will have to take decisive action sooner rather than later. If Lopetegui’s tenure is indeed brought to an end, it will be critical for the club to bring in a manager capable of revitalizing the squad and getting the best out of the players. The situation is becoming increasingly urgent, and failure to act could result in further setbacks, leaving West Ham in a perilous position for the rest of the season.
