‘Something’s Not Right’ – Is Lopetegui Out?
Julen Lopetegui finds himself under increasing pressure at West Ham, where fans and critics alike are beginning to question his impact on the club. Notably, seasoned journalist Henry Winter raised concerns in his latest column for Goal Posts (4 November), pointing out that the Hammers’ recent 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest only highlights deeper issues brewing under Lopetegui’s leadership since he replaced David Moyes last summer.
Winter’s reflections bring to light a stark reality for the Hammers: the team has already endured six defeats this season, and Lopetegui’s vision for the squad seems far from taking shape. Even more troubling is the discipline record, with Edson Alvarez receiving his second red card across all competitions in the clash against Forest. Such lapses have led Winter to question whether Lopetegui’s strategies, or perhaps lack thereof, are really suited to West Ham’s needs.
“What exactly does Julen Lopetegui bring?” Winter questioned, emphasizing the puzzling lack of cohesion on the pitch. He continued, “You always want new managers to succeed, and time is essential, but it’s understandable why West Ham fans are feeling uneasy.” Winter noted the absence of “urgency, pressing, determination,” asking rhetorically, “Where was the legitimate fight rather than frustration spilling over?”
It’s a far cry from the disciplined, resilient squad Moyes managed to build, and although Winter believes it’s premature to write Lopetegui off, he speculates that Moyes himself might be wondering what West Ham’s situation would be like had he received similar financial backing. Lopetegui’s spending spree of over £120 million in the summer has yet to bear fruit, and fans are struggling to understand why the investments haven’t translated into on-field results.
In addition to their dismal form, West Ham’s discipline issues are raising eyebrows. Edson Alvarez’s red card at Forest was only the latest incident in what is starting to look like a pattern. Mohammed Kudus, another high-profile signing, recently received a straight red card in a 4-1 drubbing by Tottenham, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether Lopetegui is struggling to instill discipline and focus in his team. Losing players to such moments of recklessness only exacerbates West Ham’s problems, with suspensions further limiting an already struggling squad.
As Winter highlights, these unnecessary send-offs may indicate frustration within the team, likely a response to the lack of results and cohesion. While it’s understood that Lopetegui’s tactical vision would take time to materialize, few anticipated such a rocky start. Expectations were high after the new signings, with many hoping they would provide a quick spark. But instead, Lopetegui is finding himself dealing with a team that appears unsettled and inconsistent, failing to find rhythm or confidence.
The pressure on Lopetegui mounts, and the contrast to Moyes’ tenure is stark. Although Moyes faced his share of challenges, his teams at least displayed grit and tenacity, qualities that seem to be waning under the new manager. Some might argue that if Moyes had been given the same level of financial investment Lopetegui enjoyed, he could have propelled West Ham to even greater heights.
As Lopetegui navigates this rough start, Winter’s words serve as both a reminder and a warning: West Ham need patience, but the sense that “something’s not right” could spell trouble if no changes are made. For Lopetegui, the task ahead is no longer just about integrating new signings but restoring stability and discipline to a team that, right now, seems to lack both.
