Rising Pressure: Former West Ham Scout Shares Insight on Julen Lopetegui’s Situation

Brown, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, described this time of year as “dangerous” for football managers, as clubs begin to feel the pressure.

A former chief scout at Manchester United and senior scout at West Ham, Brown left the London club in June when David Moyes’ contract expired.

West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, is under intense scrutiny after a 4-1 loss to rivals Tottenham Hotspur, marking a tough start to the season.

The Hammers sit in 15th place with just eight points from eight matches, having secured only one clean sheet, away to struggling Crystal Palace.

They’ve conceded four goals to Tottenham and three each to Chelsea and Manchester City, raising concerns among both the board and fans, especially after significant summer spending.

Brown noted, “The board will have to make a decision.

October and November are the most dangerous times of the year, with international breaks causing clubs to make sudden changes.

Board members and directors begin to panic, feeling the strain.

I’d say ‘watch this space’ regarding whether they sack him, because they’ll need to decide soon.”

He further added, “There have already been issues this season that will worry the owners, especially considering how much support they gave him over the summer.

While they won’t want to rush, the pressure is mounting, and a decision will have to be made.”

A defeat at home to Manchester United on Sunday could signal the end for Lopetegui at West Ham.

While he might survive a narrow loss, a defeat followed by another the next week against Nottingham Forest could hasten his departure.

The pressure is building, and his future at the club is increasingly uncertain.