“West Ham should have hired a manager similar to this 59-year-old Premier League coach, says pundit.”
There was palpable excitement at West Ham this summer with the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham fans, frustrated with David Moyes’ defensive style, were filled with optimism when the club appointed former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui.
However, just 10 games into the season, things haven’t gone as planned. West Ham currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, and Lopetegui’s position is already under scrutiny.
There’s growing sentiment among fans and pundits that hiring Lopetegui may have been a misstep.
On the Premier League All Access Podcast, Scott Minto shared his views on the situation, suggesting that West Ham may have needed a coach with a more offensive approach rather than someone with a defensive mindset like Lopetegui.
Minto believes that, after years of Moyes’ conservative tactics, West Ham should have opted for a manager in the mold of Ange Postecoglou, known for his attacking philosophy.
“I think a lot of us thought from the start, or when he was appointed, that if you’re moving on from David Moyes, you need an almost anti-Moyes, someone like Ange Postecoglou,” Minto said.
“But Lopetegui isn’t that. I do think it’s a bit harsh on Tim Steidten, as West Ham had a strong summer transfer market. Yes, Fullkrug’s injury doesn’t help, but injuries happen.”
Reflecting on Lopetegui’s appointment, Minto noted that while Postecoglou’s attacking approach might have been better received by fans, hiring such a coach would have been a significant gamble.
Though Postecoglou has had a promising start with Tottenham, his hiring was considered a risk for Spurs, as his resume was less decorated compared to Lopetegui’s.
With a record that includes leading teams like Real Madrid and Sevilla, Lopetegui’s CV appeared impressive, making him seem like an ideal choice for West Ham.
Yet, the reality has been disappointing, and now the club is reportedly considering replacements if results don’t improve.
West Ham’s upcoming game against Everton could be a pivotal moment for Lopetegui. Should West Ham fail to secure a win, it might signal the end of his tenure at the London stadium.
