Lopetegui assures Sullivan that duo can transform West Ham in a bid to secure more time.

West Ham United travel to Newcastle on Monday night, and reports suggest Julen Lopetegui has just two games to save his job.

 

The claim, made by journalist Jacob Steinberg, who has close ties to Hammers majority owner David Sullivan, has sparked widespread discussion.

 

Given that the fixtures are against an in-form Newcastle side and title-contending Arsenal, many view this ultimatum as a near-certain end for Lopetegui’s tenure.

 

When West Ham take to the field at St James’s Park, they could find themselves a mere three points above the relegation zone, highlighting the precarious nature of their current situation.

 

The Spaniard’s tenure has so far been marked by disappointment, with criticism mounting over his tactics, team selections, man management, and handling of the press.

 

As pressure builds, Lopetegui has increasingly looked to shift some of the blame elsewhere.

 

Ahead of what was widely regarded as the worst Premier League game of the season—West Ham’s clash with Everton—Lopetegui expressed frustration, claiming he cannot implement his style of play with the current squad.

 

This remark was interpreted as a direct criticism of technical director Tim Steidten and the club’s recruitment strategy.

 

More recently, he has publicly challenged his players to take greater responsibility, urging them to “stand up and be counted.”

 

Despite his struggles, the former Wolves, Real Madrid, and Spain boss has repeatedly pleaded with Sullivan and the club’s hierarchy to judge him at the end of the season rather than prematurely.

 

These appeals underscore the difficulties he has faced since arriving in East London. However, it appears that Lopetegui is employing every tactic at his disposal to avoid dismissal.

 

In his latest move, Lopetegui has reportedly assured Sullivan that the return of two key players—Mohammed Kudus and Niclas Füllkrug—will transform the team.

 

By doing so, he seems to be buying time as he braces for likely defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal.

 

Kudus, currently serving a suspension, will not be available until the game against Leicester City.

 

Similarly, Füllkrug, sidelined for nearly three months with an Achilles injury, is also expected to make his return against Leicester.

 

Addressing the press, Lopetegui emphasized the importance of the upcoming fixtures and the impact the returning players could have on the squad.

“We are approaching a very busy and key month,” he said.

 

“We’re going to play a lot of matches, so we need to be ready to compete. Having more players to choose from will be crucial.

 

With Kudus returning after two matches and Füllkrug potentially available, we’ll have more options to be competitive and face the challenges ahead.”

 

However, this promise raises questions. While Kudus and Füllkrug are undoubtedly talented, there is little evidence to suggest their return will drastically change West Ham’s performances or fortunes.

 

Notably, Lopetegui has been criticized for his use of both players this season. Füllkrug, a proven finisher, was scarcely utilized even before his injury, despite arriving with high expectations.

 

Steidten had touted Füllkrug’s readiness to make an immediate impact following his move from Borussia Dortmund, but Lopetegui’s reluctance to integrate him has been a point of contention.

 

Moreover, while Füllkrug offers lethal finishing ability, his lack of pace—an attribute West Ham desperately need in their forward line—limits his effectiveness.

 

The absence of a dynamic, pacey striker has been a glaring issue for the team since last summer.

 

Similarly, Kudus, who has shown glimpses of his potential, has often been deployed out of position on the left wing, frustrating fans and the player alike.

 

This misuse of Kudus arguably contributed to the frustration that led to his red card and subsequent five-game suspension during the match against Tottenham Hotspur.

 

Lopetegui’s assertion that the duo’s return will solve West Ham’s problems has been met with skepticism.

 

To many, this feels like a calculated attempt to buy more time and stave off the inevitable.

 

His track record with both players suggests it is unlikely their return will address the team’s deeper issues or radically improve results.

 

In reality, West Ham’s struggles run far deeper than the absence of two players.

 

The team’s midfield and attacking deficiencies have been recurring themes, and Lopetegui’s tactical decisions have done little to inspire confidence.

While his promises to Sullivan may temporarily delay his departure, they are unlikely to convince those who believe a change in management is necessary.

 

As the Hammers face daunting challenges in the coming weeks, Lopetegui’s fate hangs by a thread. With his job on the line, he continues to fight for time and a chance to turn things around.

 

However, unless West Ham’s performances improve dramatically, it appears increasingly likely that the club’s hierarchy will decide to part ways with the Spaniard sooner rather than later.