West Ham United are preparing for what could be a make-or-break match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, but manager Julen Lopetegui is determined to do everything in his power to secure a positive result. The pressure on the Spaniard is mounting as rumors swirl that his job could be on the line if the Hammers suffer a heavy defeat against the in-form Magpies. However, it’s clear that Lopetegui is refusing to go down without a fight, ramping up the intensity in training as he works to turn things around.
The 57-year-old has taken drastic measures this week, including moving training sessions to the night to better prepare his players for the evening kick-off on Monday. It’s an unusual move, but Lopetegui is leaving no stone unturned as he looks to avoid a repeat of the disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton, where the Hammers were booed off the pitch by frustrated home fans. Now, with the team facing a tough test at Newcastle, there’s no doubt Lopetegui is desperate to avoid another underwhelming result.
Lopetegui’s actions this week suggest that he’s serious about turning things around, especially considering the stakes. A loss at St James’ Park could prove catastrophic for his future, with a well-connected journalist claiming that he could be sacked if West Ham are thrashed by Newcastle. Given how vulnerable West Ham have been defensively this season and how clinical Newcastle have looked, such a defeat is a real possibility. However, Lopetegui is certainly not going to let that happen without giving it his all.
One of the standout changes in training this week has been the noticeable increase in intensity. West Ham’s performances have been criticized for lacking the resilience and grit required to thrive in the Premier League, and Lopetegui appears to be addressing this head-on. The players have been put through grueling sessions, including outdoor weight training and high-energy drills that push them to their physical limits. The footage released by the club showcases a determined Lopetegui barking instructions at his players, ensuring they don’t slack off. The shift in training style signals that the manager is no longer willing to tolerate complacency, and he’s demanding a higher standard from his squad.
Adding to the intensity, Lopetegui has been seen getting tough with certain players, particularly those who have failed to live up to expectations. Jean-Clair Todibo, a summer signing from Nice, has been one of the most criticized players, with his performances ranging from impressive to downright sloppy. The Frenchman’s errors in recent games—particularly against Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest—have cost the team valuable points, and Lopetegui is clearly frustrated with him. During training, Lopetegui was spotted shouting at Todibo to improve his actions, specifically during a drill where Todibo failed to sprint back to his starting position. Lopetegui repeatedly shouted at him to “Go to the first one!” as he sought to push Todibo to focus and get the basics right. The manager is determined to ensure that Todibo and other players are held accountable for their performances on the pitch, and he’s not afraid to show his frustration when things aren’t going well.
Another player who has been underperforming is Guido Rodriguez. Since joining West Ham, the Argentine midfielder has struggled to make an impact, losing his place in the national team as a result. There’s even talk that Rodriguez regrets his move to the London Stadium, and he was visibly upset when Lopetegui substituted him during the Everton game. Despite this, Lopetegui seems unwilling to give up on the 29-year-old just yet. In recent training sessions, he was seen speaking at length with Rodriguez, offering guidance and encouragement, trying to help him rediscover his form. Alongside Rodriguez, fellow midfielder Carlos Soler has also faced criticism, though his struggles have been more due to a lack of playing time. Nonetheless, Lopetegui hasn’t thrown in the towel on Soler either, and he continues to work with both players in an effort to bring out their best.
While the focus has been on the senior players, there was a glimmer of hope for the future as well. West Ham have come under fire for not giving enough opportunities to their academy products, with many pointing out that only three other clubs have given fewer minutes to homegrown players this season. However, this week’s training session featured three promising youngsters: Ollie Scarles, Tyron Akpata, and Kamarai Swyer. The trio was seen participating in first-team drills, and while it’s likely a case of making up the numbers, their inclusion could signal that Lopetegui is finally looking to integrate some fresh talent into the fold. It remains to be seen whether any of these academy stars will feature in the upcoming match, but it was a positive sign that Lopetegui is keeping an eye on the future, even amid his current struggles.
On a more positive note, a few players stood out for their sharpness and enthusiasm during training. Danny Ings, who has often found himself on the bench this season, looked in excellent form and could be pushing for a starting spot. Meanwhile, Soler, despite his challenges, impressed with some outstanding passes and finishes. His performance in small-sided games drew praise from teammates, and there’s hope that he can start translating his training form into competitive performances. If Soler can replicate his training displays on the pitch, he could be a key player in the upcoming matches.
The night training sessions also featured some lighter moments, with Lopetegui seen laughing and chatting with club captain Jarrod Bowen. The atmosphere among the players seemed positive, even though they were put through their paces in the cold evening air. Michail Antonio was also back in training after missing Jamaica’s international fixtures due to passport issues, and his return is a welcome boost for the team. Despite the tough conditions and the pressure on the manager, the players appeared to be maintaining good spirits, which will be crucial heading into a tough run of fixtures.
As West Ham prepare for Monday’s clash with Newcastle, the pressure on Julen Lopetegui is immense. However, the manager’s commitment to intensifying training and pushing his players to their limits shows he’s not giving up without a fight. Whether these changes will translate into improved performances on the pitch remains to be seen, but Lopetegui is certainly doing everything he can to turn West Ham’s fortunes around. With the specter of a potential sacking looming large, this is a crucial period for both the manager and the club, and Monday’s match against Newcastle could be the defining moment of Lopetegui’s tenure at the London Stadium.
