Former West Ham defender Glen Johnson does not believe that Saturday’s fixture against Everton is a “must-win” game for manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard is under an enormous amount of pressure heading into the match but, asked by 10bet whether Lopetegui needed the three points to keep his job, Johnson replied:

“It’s not going to be a must-win in terms of the overall season, but it’s probably a must-win in the sense that Everton are struggling as well. It’ll just be more embarrassing to not get a positive result. If you can’t beat a struggling side, then you’re really struggling. I don’t think it’s a must-win in terms of the league position. It’s probably a must-win to save face.  It’s okay to lose games of football, especially when you’re in mid-table. I think it’s the manner of how you lose. If they can bounce back, put in a good performance, then all of a sudden everything’s positive and you’re on your way up.”

“I guess the disappointing thing with how they lost the other day was you just beat bloody Man United. When you think you can kick on now and get some confidence and start building somewhere, then they go and put in a performance like that, which is the frustrating part. They’ve got next week to bounce back, and they’ve got a great opportunity to do it by playing another team that’s also struggling.”

Performances have been concerning West Ham supporters

As Johnson rightly points out, it is the nature of the results that have got many fans worried. The way they have capitulated at home to the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as in the last match against Nottingham Forest, has made many question Lopetegui’s position.

Considering that Everton lost to Southampton last time out, there is a justifiable expectation that the Irons should be able to beat them, especially at the London Stadium. If that doesn’t happen, the knives will be out.

Who could replace Lopetegui?

The bookmakers have made ex-Chelsea head coach Graham Potter the favourite to come in if West Ham do decide to part ways with their current manager.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, Gareth Southgate and even Erik ten Hag have also been named among the frontrunners.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here