West Ham United to Determine Lopetegui’s Managerial Future This Weekend

West Ham United is set to make a decision regarding Julen Lopetegui’s immediate future as manager before the upcoming weekend. He joined the club in July. Lopetegui is facing significant pressure in the wake of Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to Leicester. According to sources, the manager’s position will be determined by the outcome of a club board meeting scheduled for later this week. The former coach of Spain and Real Madrid was appointed on a two-year contract this summer, replacing David Moyes, and his arrival at the London Stadium was met with considerable anticipation. West Ham invested over £120 million in acquiring nine new players, with the expectation that Lopetegui would guide the team back to European competition, following their absence last season for the first time in four years. Nevertheless, £27 million German striker Niclas Fullkrug has not yet started a Premier League match, while £25.5 million Brazilian prospect Luis Guilherme has played only 11 minutes across two substitute appearances. Additionally, several other new signings, such as EFL player of the year Crysencio Summerville, have reportedly struggled with their performance. Although technical director Tim Steidten is also under examination, Lopetegui is currently bearing the brunt of the criticism. The Hammers have secured only one victory in their last five matches, a run that began after their win against Manchester United on October 27, which led to the sacking of United manager Erik ten Hag. Following Tuesday’s match, West Ham is positioned 14th in the league standings.