2 weeks ago
7 Julen Lopetegui’s future at West Ham is hanging by a thread, and thanks to one player’s stupidity, he has a major problem ahead of the Everton game.
The Times (subscription required) note that if the Hammers poor form continues, the Spaniard is at risk of the sack, and with Sean Dyche’s Everton side renowned for scrapping for every point, this Saturday’s game at the London Stadium could be pivotal for Lopetegui.
Lopetegui on the verge at West Ham
A former Chelsea coach is already being tipped to take over, though the Hammers have been warned about a potential hire of one ex-Premier League coach.
Ahead of the game against Everton, West Ham find themselves in 14th position with just 11 points. Were they to be beaten by the Toffees, Dyche’s side will leapfrog the Hammers.
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That will surely be enough to see David Sullivan wield the axe.
Lopetegui needs all of his players at his disposal, but Mo Kudus’ stupidity against Tottenham has ensured that he won’t be available.
BREAKING: West Ham's Mohammed Kudus has his three match ban extended to five matches by the FA after being sent off against Tottenham last month ? pic.twitter.com/newppgRsOu
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 6, 2024
Worse than that, the Ghanaian’s initial three-match ban for violent conduct has been increased to five. By the time he’s available again it might already be too late for Lopetegui.
The Spaniard’s reputation has taken a battering since being installed in East London, after he’d repaired it at Sevilla.

 
Prior to his stint with the Andalusians, he’d endured an horrendous time at Real Madrid, who sacked him at roughly the same state of the season in 2018 as we’re at just now.
Even his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers did little to endear him to the Hammers faithful after he appeared to walk out on the Midlands-based club because of broken promises.
