Julen Lopetegui under Heart attack after his decision to make changes in a Champions League match against West Ham backfired, leading to a disappointing result.
West Ham United made a bold decision at the end of last season, choosing not to extend David Moyes’ contract despite his undeniable success. The rationale? The club believed Julen Lopetegui was the man to usher in a more expansive and entertaining style of football at the London Stadium. Yet, just 11 games into the new season, whispers of discontent have emerged, with reports suggesting the Spaniard has only two matches—Monday night’s trip to Newcastle and a home clash with Arsenal—to save his job.
The haste to judge Lopetegui feels like madness. Expecting a coach to implement a radical shift in philosophy and deliver instant results in just a quarter of a season is an unreasonable demand. The ink on Lopetegui’s plans may barely be dry, and the paint on his office walls likely still fresh. How can anyone realistically transform a club’s identity in such a short time, especially when inheriting a squad accustomed to Moyes’ pragmatic but effective style?
Moyes’ Legacy: Pragmatism Over Panache
David Moyes took over as West Ham manager in November 2017 when the team was languishing in the relegation zone. By the end of the season, he had steered them to the safety of mid-table—a remarkable turnaround. Yet, despite his efforts, Moyes was deemed not glamorous enough for the club’s aspirations and was replaced by Manuel Pellegrini. When Pellegrini failed, the Hammers turned back to Moyes, who once again performed heroics to stabilize the club.
Under Moyes, West Ham achieved back-to-back top-seven finishes and, most memorably, lifted the Europa Conference League trophy 18 months ago—their first piece of silverware in 43 years. That triumph etched Moyes’ name into the club’s history, ensuring he’ll always be remembered fondly by the fans.
However, West Ham’s aspirations are deeply rooted in their storied past. They like to be seen as the club of legends like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters—a cradle of English football artistry. But the harsh reality is that without Moyes, the Hammers could have easily found themselves relegated, boasting the best stadium in the Championship rather than their current Premier League status.
Moyes’ tenure wasn’t always aesthetically pleasing, but it was undeniably effective. For West Ham to improve on what he achieved, significant investment in the transfer market over several seasons would have been required. Even then, success was far from guaranteed.
Lopetegui’s Uphill Battle
Lopetegui inherited a squad molded in Moyes’ image—disciplined, defensively solid, and reliant on direct football. Transitioning that group into a team capable of playing a more expansive and possession-based game was never going to be a simple task. Despite his pedigree and experience, Lopetegui faces the challenge of transforming West Ham’s DNA, a process that requires time, patience, and resources—none of which he appears to have in abundance.
To expect Lopetegui to turn West Ham into top-four contenders overnight is unrealistic. His credentials as a coach are beyond question, but even the most talented managers need time to embed their philosophies. This rush to judgment risks not only undermining Lopetegui’s efforts but also destabilizing the club further.
The Bigger Picture
West Ham’s current predicament raises broader questions about the club’s direction and ambition. By parting ways with Moyes, they gambled on evolution rather than continuity. However, the impatience shown toward Lopetegui suggests a lack of understanding of the complexities involved in such a transformation.
Ultimately, the Hammers must decide what they truly want to be. If they aspire to rekindle the spirit of their glorious past while maintaining Premier League stability, they need to give Lopetegui the time and backing to succeed. Without it, they risk squandering the progress made under Moyes and plunging back into uncertainty.
The coming matches against Newcastle and Arsenal could define not only Lopetegui’s future but also West Ham’s trajectory for years to come.
