West Ham board ‘ignored’ Lopetegui ‘concerns’ that arose during hiring – Insider
West Ham turned a blind eye to concerns in the process of hiring Julen Lopetegui as they had already decided he was the man they wanted.
This is according to former Hammers scout Mick Brown, who left the club alongside David Moyes in June and remains very well-connected there, as he exclusively told Football Insider that issues were overlooked in favour of his impressive CV.
It was said that the manager’s unceremonious departures from Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves had raised red flags for some behind the scenes.
However, the board were determined to hire a big-name manager to take over from Moyes amid concerns that he would not be adequately replaced.
After ten league games, West Ham have picked up 11 points after just three wins, two draws and five defeats, ramping up the pressure on the boss’ position.
A heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out has seen that pressure increase again as the fans are growing impatient with the team’s performances.
West Ham ignored Julen Lopetegui ‘concerns’ after David Moyes sack
Football Insider revealed on 4 November that Lopetegui could lose his job “at any time” as sources described the situation as “volatile”.
Now, Brown, who also worked for the likes of Man United and Tottenham and has a wealth of experience working closely with owners at the top level, including those at West Ham, insisted that issues had come up during the hiring process.
“There were a few concerns about how he’d left his former clubs,” he told Football Insider.
“Especially when you look at Wolves where he walked out after becoming frustrated with the club, but also when he was sacked by Spain and Real Madrid.
“These issues, no doubt, came up during the process of hiring him.
“Rational thinking would tell you that you should avoid someone who might cause you problems.
“But the name seems to be everything for the owners. He was the manager of Real Madrid and he’s a big name, so that played a big part in the decision.
“It’s not rational and it doesn’t seem to have been thought out, but that’s their thinking.
“After they sacked Moyes, they were desperate to find a quick fix and an impressive name.
“But they wanted someone who knew the Premier League regardless of the circumstances in which he left his last job here, so they just ignored their concerns.”
In other news, a new update has emerged on the future of Julen Lopetegui.
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