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 Lopeteguiβs 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 Mourinhoβs time in English football has changed, and he is no longer the ideal candidate for a club like West Ham.
While acknowledging Mourinhoβs 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 Mourinhoβs 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 coachβs 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 Unitedβs 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 clubβs 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 itβs 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 Hamβs squad brimming with talent, many feel the club should be performing much better than they currently are.
The Hammersβ 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 Lopeteguiβs 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 Lopeteguiβs 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 Lopeteguiβs future and the dire position the club finds itself in, itβs imperative that West Hamβs 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. Matterfaceβs 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 clubβs future hanging in the balance, itβs clear that David Sullivan and the West Ham board will have to take decisive action sooner rather than later. If Lopeteguiβs 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.
