Report reveals West Ham board’s position on Lopetegui’s future ahead of Ipswich clash.
The Athletic reports that Julen Lopetegui retains the "full backing" of the West Ham board despite his poor start to the season.
According to Roshane Thomas, writing for the outlet’s website on 5 October, West Ham’s hierarchy believes that the new manager, Julen Lopetegui, possesses the “abundant qualities” necessary to improve the club in the long run.
However, with just one win from six Premier League matches so far, it remains unclear how chairman David Sullivan will react if poor results continue.
The Hammers face Ipswich Town at the London Stadium on 5 October, with a win needed to enter the international break on a positive note.
While Sullivan continues to back Lopetegui, it may still be too soon to abandon the new project, especially after the decision to part ways with David Moyes and the significant investment of over £100 million on new players in the transfer window.
That said, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting, unless the board is willing to endure a full season of potential growing pains in the hopes of future success.
Lopetegui’s two-year contract, with an option for a third, suggests a cautious approach from the club, signaling that West Ham can move on without a heavy financial burden if things don’t improve.
A poor result ahead of an international break often amplifies the pressure on a struggling manager, so a victory against Ipswich could relieve some of that burden.
Sporting director Tim Steidten, who was responsible for many of the new signings, could also face criticism if his acquisitions fail to impress, although he is likely more secure in his position with Sullivan than Lopetegui is.
Neither Sullivan nor vice-chair Karren Brady appeared pleased with the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, with former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green noting their expressions of dissatisfaction on BBC Radio 5 Live (21 September).
According to Stan Collymore (Caught Offside, 27 September), Lopetegui has until Christmas to show significant improvement, but progress will need to be evident long before then to calm the growing unease at the club.
