Dean Ashton Delivers Scathing Verdict on Lopetegui’s West Ham Tenure After Witnessing London Stadium Struggles.
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton believes the club’s supporters remain divided on Julen Lopetegui, with uncertainty surrounding his tenure as manager. Ashton, who attended the Hammers’ 1-1 draw against Brighton at the London Stadium on December 21, described the atmosphere during the match as “strange,” reflecting the fans’ conflicted feelings toward the Spanish head coach.
Conflicted Fanbase
West Ham fans, who had earlier called for Lopetegui’s dismissal following a dismal loss to Leicester City, now appear torn about his leadership and the changes he’s attempting to implement. Speaking on talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access on December 24, Ashton highlighted the unease among the Hammers faithful.
“Alex Crook and I were there at their last home game, and it’s another game I’ve been to that has had a really strange atmosphere,” Ashton said. “Supporters aren’t quite sure how to take this manager and his change of style, which we’re still trying to see. They’re attempting to control games more but without going anywhere. It’s more about the defence keeping the ball into midfield. When they attack, it’s still a counter-attacking style.”
Lopetegui’s Struggles Despite His Pedigree
Lopetegui’s reputation as a seasoned manager—bolstered by stints at Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Wolves—has done little to win over the West Ham faithful. His Premier League track record has been far from impressive, and while the summer transfer window brought in reinforcements like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Guido Rodriguez, and Crysencio Summerville, the team has struggled to find consistent form.
Many supporters had welcomed David Moyes’ departure in the summer, hoping for a fresh, progressive style of football under Lopetegui. However, the 58-year-old has yet to deliver the modern, attacking play fans were promised. West Ham currently sit a disappointing 14th in the Premier League, with just five league wins to their name this season—a far cry from the European ambitions the club harbored at the start of the campaign.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Boxing Day Clash
The clock appears to be ticking for Lopetegui, with his position as manager under increasing scrutiny. The upcoming Boxing Day fixture against Southampton could prove pivotal for the Spaniard. Another poor result would likely intensify calls for his dismissal, with many already speculating that his departure is only a matter of time.
For a club with ambitions of competing in Europe, languishing in the bottom half of the table is unacceptable. Lopetegui’s inability to ignite the team’s form or instill a clear tactical identity has left fans disillusioned and frustrated. The Boxing Day clash could well be his last chance to turn things around and secure his position—at least temporarily.
