West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui is expected to be in the dugout when the Hammers take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday.
Speaking on the West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), insider ExWHUEmployee said that the manager is likely to remain in his post despite the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City:
“We asked the question ‘Does the result change the position of the manager?’ The reply we have received back is, ‘puts him further under pressure, we are letting in too many goals and look far too fragile’. Of course, what this actually means I again have no idea and can only speculate like anyone else can but to me, it suggests that the manager may survive another game. I cannot confirm this factually it is just using the same quote that you all have there to make my assumption. I always felt he would be given the Villa cup game and it does appear to be the case.”
Supporters on X were not happy with this latest development to say the least:
Absolute shambles
— Lopetegui Out ⚒ (@barnard_15) January 5, 2025
So we just go out of the fa cup instead and have nothing to play for this season 😩😤
— Dan Hossack (@Thehoss84) January 5, 2025
Shocking, but not a surprise. How many defeats and goals against does it take?
— Gez Barton (@bartong2011) January 5, 2025
What a shambles 😩
— Pete Walker (@PeterWa39709428) January 5, 2025
Mental he’s gotta go now !
— donni murray (@DonniMurray1) January 5, 2025
Cup run over then and not much else to play for other than avoid relegation.
— AMC,GNS,LCID,PSNY,STEM (@paulpwhufc) January 5, 2025
Lopetegui has to win against Villa
While the scoreline was harsh at the weekend, the Irons still suffered a heavy defeat. Things can’t go on like this, especially with fans having already made up their mind about the manager.
Lopetegui has been given more than enough chances to turn things around and, if he can’t secure a victory in the FA Cup, it is more than likely he will pack his bags.
Who could West Ham appoint as his replacement?
Some have backed David Moyes for a third spell in charge but sources inside the club have played down that possibility.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been tipped to be appointed on an interim basis while moves for Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick and ex-Juventus manager Max Allegri can’t be ruled out either.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
