Lopetegui needs to be sacked and replace him with “fantastic” 4-2-3-1 UCL finalist – opinion
Julen Lopetegui’s early tenure at West Ham United has been far from the promising start many had hoped for after a summer of heavy financial backing in the transfer market. Despite significant investments aimed at bolstering the squad, the Spanish manager has only managed to lead the Hammers to three victories in their first ten Premier League games, a disappointing tally given the optimism surrounding his appointment. This sluggish start has cast a shadow over his position, fueling scrutiny over both his tactics and the team’s overall performance.
West Ham’s current season statistics reveal a team struggling to assert control in matches. They are averaging just 44.9% possession — the fifth-lowest rate in the Premier League — which underscores their inability to dominate games. Offensively, they are generating only 13.7 shots per game, a low figure that reflects a lack of consistent attacking threat. On the defensive side, the situation is even more concerning: West Ham are allowing opponents an average of 16.1 shots per match, the fourth-highest in the league, exposing a porous backline that invites pressure.
These underwhelming performances have quickly put Lopetegui in the spotlight, with mounting pressure leading him to experiment with tactical changes to reverse the Hammers’ fortunes. Recently, he opted for a 3-4-3 formation in an attempt to solidify the defense. This shift to a three-at-the-back setup was something he had occasionally employed during his tenure at Wolves, indicating a tactical fallback plan when in search of stability. Against Nottingham Forest, Lopetegui employed this system, pairing central defenders Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Konstantinos Mavropanos in a defensive trio. Emerson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka operated as wingbacks, tasked with providing width while adding an extra layer of support in defense.
In the midfield, Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez were positioned to bring a defensive backbone, while Lucas Paqueta was pushed forward to join an attacking front line alongside Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen. Yet, despite these adjustments, West Ham’s defensive frailties remained evident. Forest managed to produce 18 shots, including five clear chances, highlighting the ongoing defensive challenges. The situation worsened after a red card for Alvarez, which left the Hammers undermanned and eventually led to them conceding three goals after facing a total of 19 shots — a telling sign that the change in formation hadn’t solved their defensive issues.
If Lopetegui’s West Ham continue down this path, he could find himself in a precarious position, with the club potentially considering alternatives to steer the season back on track. Rumors have already surfaced, with reports suggesting that Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic may be on the club’s radar. The German-Croatian tactician has recently been linked with a potential move to the Premier League, and West Ham could present an intriguing opportunity for him.
Terzic has developed a reputation for his tactical acumen, leading Dortmund to a Champions League final during the 2023/24 season. Known for his adaptable 4-2-3-1 system, which he sometimes alternates with a 4-3-3, Terzic’s approach prioritizes ball retention and offensive dynamism. Under his leadership, Dortmund averaged an impressive 58.8% possession in the Bundesliga last season, the fourth-highest in the division, and registered 15.1 shots per game, reflecting a strong emphasis on forward play.
Players like Lucas Paqueta could find Terzic’s style particularly advantageous. Terzic has shown a penchant for utilizing a creative number 10, similar to how he deployed Julian Brandt at Dortmund, where Brandt would drift deeper to aid in build-up but also position himself closer to goal to make an impact in the final third. This dual role could align well with Paqueta’s versatile playmaking abilities, allowing him to thrive both as a deep-lying playmaker and a creative force near the box.
Moreover, defenders like Max Kilman could also benefit under Terzic’s guidance, potentially assuming a pivotal role in ball progression from the back. Meanwhile, Niklas Fullkrug, who previously played under Terzic at Dortmund, would bring familiarity and experience with the manager’s tactical philosophy. Additionally, young players such as Lewis Orford could find valuable development opportunities under Terzic, especially in roles that require composure and ball security in midfield areas.
As speculation around Lopetegui’s future at West Ham intensifies, the appeal of a manager like Terzic, known for an attacking style coupled with possession-based principles, could be tempting for a club looking to make a change. West Ham’s ambitions to solidify their standing in the Premier League and challenge for higher positions could hinge on finding a manager who aligns with their vision and can maximize the squad’s potential.
