Julen Lopetegui’s tenure as West Ham manager appears to be hanging by a thread, according to reports from various sources. However, the situation is far more complex than it seems on the surface, as Hammers News reveals. While speculation is rife that Lopetegui has only two games—against Newcastle United and Arsenal—to save his job, the reality may not align with these dire predictions.
Claims of Imminent Dismissal
Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, a journalist with established connections to West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, has reported that Lopetegui could face dismissal if the Hammers lose heavily in these two challenging fixtures. Sullivan, known for his direct approach, is reportedly considering pulling the plug on Lopetegui’s stint if the team suffers an embarrassing defeat at St. James’ Park against Newcastle. This raises the stakes for the manager, especially as West Ham’s form this season has been far from encouraging.
For many fans, the writing seems to be on the wall. The Hammers’ recent performances have left supporters skeptical about Lopetegui’s ability to turn things around. Asking the team to avoid defeat against high-flying Newcastle and a title-contending Arsenal looks like a tall order—one that many see as setting the manager up for inevitable failure.
Sullivan’s Inner Conflict
Despite the gloomy outlook, insiders suggest that Sullivan remains conflicted about the situation. The West Ham majority owner reportedly has a deep admiration for Lopetegui, whom he described as a “real professional” when bringing him to the club. Sullivan maintains weekly conversations with the former Wolves boss, signaling a level of support that contrasts sharply with the public narrative of doom surrounding Lopetegui’s future.
There’s hope within the club that Lopetegui can defy expectations and engineer a turnaround, though evidence for this optimism remains scant. The next two games are undoubtedly pivotal, but insiders suggest the situation is more nuanced than a simple “win or get sacked” ultimatum.
A Divided Fanbase
Lopetegui’s relationship with the fans has been a point of contention since his appointment. Even before the Hammers’ recent struggles, there was skepticism among supporters about whether the 57-year-old was the right fit for the club. The goalless draw against Everton, billed as a must-win game for the under-pressure manager, did little to inspire confidence. Fans viewed the match as a dull, lifeless performance—a damning reflection of the team’s effort under Lopetegui.
Moreover, reports of dissent within the squad have added to the turmoil. Several players have allegedly expressed their dissatisfaction with Lopetegui’s methods in a public manner, further undermining his position. Yet, despite the mounting criticism, Sullivan has resisted making any knee-jerk decisions, opting instead to give the manager more time to prove his worth.
The Likely Scenario
While reports of Lopetegui’s imminent dismissal are circulating, sources close to the club suggest a different timeline. If West Ham loses to Newcastle and Arsenal, Lopetegui’s position will not necessarily be terminated immediately. Instead, his fate is likely to hinge on the outcome of subsequent matches, including a crucial fixture against Leicester City.
Should the Hammers fail to secure a victory against Leicester after potentially losing to Newcastle and Arsenal, the pressure on Lopetegui will intensify. Even then, insiders believe the manager could still be given the Wolves game on December 9 to salvage his job—provided the defeats are not catastrophic.
Contractual Complexities
Adding another layer of intrigue are the details of Lopetegui’s contract. Sullivan is known to include relegation-related termination clauses in his managerial agreements. These clauses allow the club to part ways with a manager without hefty compensation if the team is in the bottom three at a specified point in the season—usually the halfway stage.
In Lopetegui’s case, if West Ham finds itself in the relegation zone after 14 or 15 games, the club could activate this clause, avoiding a £5 million payout for the remainder of his two-year deal. This raises the stakes for Lopetegui’s upcoming matches, as the club’s precarious position in the league table could trigger such a clause.
A Divided Outlook
The debate over Lopetegui’s future extends beyond the club’s hierarchy to its fanbase. While many supporters are calling for a change, a smaller contingent believes the manager deserves more time to implement his vision. Lopetegui himself has asked to be judged at the end of the season, citing the importance of having his full-strength squad available. With key players like Mohammed Kudus and potentially Niclas Füllkrug returning to action, there’s hope that the team could improve.
Conclusion
For all the speculation about Lopetegui’s potential dismissal, the truth is far from clear-cut. While defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal could place him under immense pressure, it’s unlikely to be the definitive end of his tenure. The more probable scenario is that his future will be reassessed after the Leicester game, or even the Wolves match, depending on the results and performances.
In the ever-volatile world of football management, Lopetegui’s fate remains uncertain. For now, he continues to navigate the storm, hoping to steer West Ham toward calmer waters—but whether he will succeed remains to be seen.
