Sky Sports Journalist ‘Not Convinced’ by West Ham, Suggests Timeline for Lopetegui Decision
Dan Bardell: Lopetegui Secures Short-Term West Ham Future with Newcastle Win, January Review Looms
Julen Lopetegui Buys Time with West Ham’s Win at Newcastle
West Ham secured a surprising 2-0 victory at St James’ Park on Monday, November 25, a crucial result for Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui after a challenging start to the season.
Lopetegui has faced criticism for the team’s performances at the London Stadium, with upcoming matches against Newcastle and Arsenal seen as pivotal for his future.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes the former Real Madrid manager has earned himself a reprieve until after the festive season, with his position likely to be reassessed in January.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell stated: “The Newcastle result will give him until the end of the festive period, and he’ll be evaluated again in January. It was a fantastic result to win 2-0 at St James’.
Newcastle should have scored in the first half, but West Ham capitalized, scored, and kept a clean sheet.
“While I’m not entirely convinced by the long-term direction of the team, this win has certainly bought Lopetegui some time.”
The victory in Newcastle provides the Hammers with a valuable opportunity to build momentum for the remainder of the season under Lopetegui—or for as long as he remains in charge.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy. Their next challenge is a tough clash against Arsenal, who are vying with Liverpool for the Premier League title.
Allowing Lopetegui time through the Christmas period seems sensible. If results deteriorate, the club can reassess his position in the winter.
