Clear evidence that the manager linked to West Ham is eager to take the job

West Ham have given Julen Lopetegui another vote of confidence this weekend despite mounting calls for his dismissal after a poor start to his tenure.

 

The Spaniard has managed just three wins in 11 Premier League games, with two of those – against Crystal Palace and Manchester United – considered fortunate.

 

Meanwhile, the team has endured heavy defeats, including a 4-1 loss to Spurs, 3-0 defeats to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, and a 5-1 thrashing by Liverpool in the cup.

 

Last weekend’s lackluster 0-0 draw with Everton has intensified pressure on Lopetegui.

 

The result leaves West Ham 14th in the table, closer to the relegation zone than to European qualification in terms of points.

 

Speculation is rife that Lopetegui might not survive the ongoing international break, but for now, it appears he will stay.

 

However, growing dissatisfaction among fans and journalists suggests the end may be near, especially with challenging fixtures against Newcastle and Arsenal looming.

 

Club owners have publicly stated that they do not expect to tolerate two poor defeats, fueling rumors of potential managerial change.

 

A number of managers have already been linked as possible replacements for Lopetegui.

 

Among the contenders is Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose name has gained traction in recent discussions.

 

Earlier this week, talkSPORT identified Van Nistelrooy as a candidate for the West Ham job.

 

Subsequently, a journalist described him as a “serious contender” after his recent departure from Manchester United, where he served as interim manager for four games.

 

Van Nistelrooy, 48, stepped aside at Manchester United to make way for former West Ham target Ruben Amorim and is now a free agent.

 

His stock as a manager has risen significantly due to his successful stint at PSV Eindhoven and his brief but impactful time at Old Trafford.

 

Over 13 months, Van Nistelrooy’s teams at PSV and Manchester United scored an impressive 137 goals in 55 games, averaging 2.5 goals per match.

 

This attacking style has sparked interest among West Ham fans, many of whom are eager for a manager who emphasizes exciting, forward-thinking football.

 

While Van Nistelrooy’s availability has attracted interest from other clubs, it is unclear if he is eager to take the reins at a new team.

 

However, recent developments indicate he is keen to continue his managerial career.

 

Reports suggest that Van Nistelrooy has applied for the vacant managerial position at Championship side Coventry City following the departure of Mark Robins.

 

This move underscores his readiness to take on new challenges and strengthens the belief that he would accept the West Ham job if offered.

 

Interestingly, Van Nistelrooy might face competition for the Coventry role from former West Ham academy graduate Frank Lampard.

Coventry City owner Doug King recently confirmed receiving a substantial number of high-quality applications, including Lampard’s.

 

However, with respect to Coventry, Van Nistelrooy’s interest in the position suggests he would be eager to step into a Premier League role such as West Ham’s, should the opportunity arise.

 

Despite his credentials, there are doubts that West Ham’s owners would take a chance on Van Nistelrooy, who is still considered relatively inexperienced as a manager.

 

This hesitation reflects a recurring frustration among West Ham supporters: the owners’ perceived reluctance to embrace innovation and appoint young, dynamic managers with fresh ideas.

 

Lopetegui’s style has been described by some fans as similar to that of his predecessor, David Moyes, earning him the nickname “Spanish Moyes.”

 

Many hoped for a more transformative approach, but Lopetegui’s tenure so far has not delivered the revolution in style they anticipated.

 

Van Nistelrooy’s attacking philosophy and managerial track record, which includes a 65% win rate across 55 matches at PSV and Manchester United, make him an intriguing option.

 

His ability to get the best out of his teams offensively is a stark contrast to West Ham’s current struggles.

 

If the club’s ownership is willing to take a bold step and appoint someone like Van Nistelrooy, they could inject a new sense of energy and excitement into the team.

 

However, time is of the essence. If Van Nistelrooy is already exploring opportunities elsewhere, such as at Coventry, West Ham might need to act quickly to secure his services before another club does.

 

For now, Lopetegui remains in charge, but his position appears increasingly precarious.

 

Should the Hammers suffer heavy defeats in their upcoming games against Newcastle and Arsenal, the likelihood of his departure will grow.

 

The prospect of Van Nistelrooy taking over at West Ham has sparked debate among fans.

 

While some are excited by the idea of a young, ambitious manager with a proven attacking philosophy, others question whether he has enough experience for a high-pressure role in the Premier League.

 

Regardless, Van Nistelrooy’s availability and willingness to step into the position could provide West Ham with an opportunity to break from tradition and embrace a fresh approach.

 

Ultimately, much depends on how West Ham performs in the coming weeks and whether the club’s ownership feels compelled to make a change.

 

If Lopetegui’s tenure comes to an end, the decision to pursue a manager like Van Nistelrooy could signal a bold new direction for the Hammers—one that aligns with fans’ desires for more attacking, entertaining football.

However, if the owners choose to stick with the status quo, they risk further alienating a fan base that is increasingly dissatisfied with the current trajectory of the team.