Julen Lopetegui has “agreed terms” with West Ham to become their next head coach, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The former Wolves boss has not officially signed a contract yet but he has accepted a proposal from the Hammers, with the finer details set to be worked on in the coming days.
The vast majority of supporters on X have responded very negatively to the news that Lopetegui will succeed David Moyes in the dugout at the London Stadium:
Absolute disaster waiting to happen, him & Sully are never gonna get on, it lasts 18mths imo
— Ricky Forrest ⚒️🫧🏴 ✭ (@rickwhufc) May 6, 2024
Sullivan at the wheel once again
— West Ham Are Massive (@FPL_Cockney) May 6, 2024
Genuinely concerned…. Not sure what the board have seen from the guy in recent times to think he is the right appointment (probably the cheapest option). Also not sure he is a name that will attract players.
— Stuffeyy (@stuffeyy) May 6, 2024
Will end in tears. Happy to be proven wrong but can't see the optimism.
— RetrofitReimagined (@RetrofitReimage) May 6, 2024
shocking, we lack ambition
— JaY. (@JaYsncrdbl) May 6, 2024
He will be sacked in January
— Cristian Hernández ⚒️ (@Cristian_Haz35) May 6, 2024
We don't want him
— Paul ⚒️ (@HarbottPaul) May 6, 2024
We are finished
— bbb (@bbbwhu_) May 6, 2024
Why have West Ham decided to hire the Spaniard?
It is believed that Lopetegui’s experience in the Premier League was a key factor in his appointment. He managed to turn around Wolves’ fortunes after being recruited midway through the 2022/23 season.
Reports also suggest that the Irons were impressed by his performances when he was head coach of Spain’s national team between 2016 and 2018.
Lopetegui’s appointment lacks ambition
While the 57-year-old did impress during his time at Wolves, the overriding feeling among fans is that the club could have aimed a bit higher when finding a replacement for Moyes.
It is believed that technical director Tim Steidten considered a whole host of options, including Thomas Tuchel and Ruben Amorim, for the position but there is an assumption that chairman David Sullivan has gone with Lopetegui because he is a free agent and won’t cost a great deal to bring in.
