West Ham board questions Julen Lopetegui's future after latest defeat

In England, West Ham United is grappling with the future of their head coach Julen Lopetegui after a dismal start to the Premier League season. Following a 3-1 defeat against Leicester City on December 3, 2024, where fans chanted for his dismissal, the club's management convened to discuss Lopetegui's position. With only four wins out of the first 14 league matches, the pressure has mounted significantly on the Spanish manager. The defeat against Leicester left West Ham sitting precariously in 14th place, just six points clear of the relegation zone. Despite a substantial investment of £130 million on new signings last summer, the poor results have led to frustrations among supporters and board members alike. The situation escalated as many fans expressed their discontent, calling for Lopetegui to be replaced, highlighting the disconnect between the expectations set by the club’s spending and the on-field performances. As discussions unfold about potential successors, names like Graham Potter, Edin Terzic, and Sergio Conceicao have emerged, with the club keen to appoint someone who can implement a more attractive style of play. They are also contemplating a short-term managerial appointment to navigate the current challenge, with former West Ham manager David Moyes indicating interest in returning to the London Stadium. Lopetegui, appointed just six months ago, faces the daunting task of turning around the club's fortunes in a must-win match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, his former team. The outcome of this match is critical, as it will likely dictate whether he continues as head coach or ultimately faces the axe. As the team grapples with inconsistencies on the pitch, the management is under pressure to act decisively in order to avoid a potential relegation battle as the season progresses.