After four and a half years under David Moyes, West Ham has turned to Julen Lopetegui with the hope of competing for European spots while playing a more attractive style of football.
The club did not disclose the length of Lopetegui’s contract when his appointment was first announced.
However, it has since been revealed that Lopetegui, who was initially on course to manage AC Milan before fan protests derailed the move, has signed a two-year deal with a clause that could extend it to a third year.
The decision to part ways with Moyes and replace him with Lopetegui was met with considerable skepticism.
Criticism came not only from the football media, many of whom hold Moyes in high regard, but also from some West Ham supporters.
Fans had been hoping for a more glamorous appointment, such as Ruben Amorim, especially after Amorim’s publicized interview with the club’s key decision-makers, David Sullivan and Tim Steidten.
While most new managers are typically given a grace period to settle into their role, West Ham fans acknowledge that Lopetegui will need time to implement his style, especially with a squad featuring many new faces.
There is a general understanding that the team’s progress may take time to unfold.
Nonetheless, several pundits, journalists, former players, and even club legends have expressed doubts about Lopetegui’s suitability for West Ham.
Troy Deeney went so far as to predict that Lopetegui could be dismissed within ten games.
Former Premier League club owner Simon Jordan also suggested that the ex-Spain coach should be sacked if West Ham fails to play better football, considering that was a key reason for parting ways with Moyes in the first place.
West Ham’s start to the season has been mixed, with two wins—one in the Carabao Cup—and two defeats.
Despite these results, Jamie Redknapp sees signs of progress under Lopetegui, though he acknowledges that West Ham’s opening fixtures, which included matches against Aston Villa and Manchester City, have not been particularly favorable.
While some pundits take a measured approach in their analysis, others have been less forgiving.
One notable example is Paul Merson, who has already suggested that Lopetegui is under pressure just four games into his tenure.
Merson argues that the Spaniard needs to get his side performing quickly, stating that “he needs results.”
Merson predicts that West Ham’s upcoming game against Fulham will end in a 2-2 draw, emphasizing the importance of the Hammers getting results soon, especially after what many have viewed as a strong transfer window.
According to Merson, both teams will be competing for a top-half finish this season, and this match is one where “both teams will look like they will win” as they aim to secure all three points.
Merson’s critical stance on Lopetegui is perhaps unsurprising given his previous comments about Moyes. He was vocal in his belief that West Ham was “crazy” to let Moyes go, arguing that Moyes was as good as it would get for the Hammers.
Yet, suggesting that Lopetegui is already under significant pressure after just four games seems overly harsh.
Despite the skepticism, there have been encouraging signs in West Ham’s performances under Lopetegui.
The team has displayed improved possession and passing statistics compared to the more pragmatic style seen under Moyes.
However, the ultimate test for Lopetegui will be whether he can combine this style with substance—a balance that will define his tenure.
It is important to remember that Lopetegui has only managed four games so far, and only three of them have been in the Premier League.
Two of those were against top-tier opponents—reigning champions Manchester City and Champions League side Aston Villa.
West Ham is not known for firing managers hastily, and there is no indication that they will deviate from this approach with Lopetegui.
In fact, Sky Sports’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol reported during the summer that West Ham’s board is asking fans to give Lopetegui a full year before making any judgments.
It is highly unlikely that the club would take drastic action after just four games, making Merson’s take seem premature at best.
Ultimately, Lopetegui will be judged on how well he can implement his vision for the team and whether he can elevate West Ham’s performances to the next level.
However, it is far too early to draw definitive conclusions, and patience will be key as Lopetegui continues to shape his new-look West Ham squad.
