Julen Lopetegui facing West Ham sack threat – Wyness: ‘he’s got no excuse’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui “has no excuse” after “getting what he wants” in the transfer market.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the new Irons manager could come under sack pressure from fans around Christmas if the club aren’t challenging for European qualification.
West Ham appointed Lopetegui in May following the departure of David Moyes, who came in for criticism from the club’s supporters in the final year of his tenure.
The London club have made eight signings in the summer window so far – including Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug.
West Ham finished ninth in the Premier League last term, 11 points adrift of European qualification.
West Ham fans will ‘demand’ European return, says Wyness
Wyness insisted the Irons fans will “demand” a return to Europe this season.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “They’ve made big investments.
“I think they’ve bought reasonably well.
“I’ve got question marks about Fullkrug but I’m happy with what they’ve got now. They’ve improved themselves and they should be challenging for European football.
“That’s where West Ham should be.
“The question now will be about Lopetegui. Let’s see what he does with these new signings.
“He’s really got no excuse now, that’s the downside for the manager.
“Lopetegui is getting what he wants, so the pressure is on him.
“I think David Moyes was unfairly treated, but West Ham now need to be doing well by Christmas – or the fans will start to question the manager again.
“The fans will demand European football, and quite rightly. There’s no reason why they can’t challenge.
“Lopetegui is under pressure from day one.”
In other news, Irons plan to accept Danny Ings offer & sign another striker.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.