West Ham United has officially responded to recent claims suggesting that technical director Tim Steidten opposed the hiring of Julen Lopetegui. The beginning of Lopetegui’s tenure has been challenging, with the team managing just one victory, one draw, and three losses in their Premier League campaign so far. Despite a win against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, the squad’s struggles were highlighted by a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, marking the first time in 129 years that West Ham has lost their first three home league matches in a season.
The team’s tactics and selection decisions under Lopetegui have drawn heavy criticism from fans and analysts alike. Supporters expressed their frustration during the Chelsea match, booing the team’s performance and leaving the stadium well before the final whistle. Amidst this growing unrest, sources close to the club revealed that the board is dissatisfied with the current direction of the team, particularly regarding Lopetegui’s management of new signing Jean-Clair Todibo, who has yet to make a Premier League start. Reports indicate that Lopetegui perceives Todibo as lacking the toughness needed for the league, a sentiment that has been inaccurately reported as questioning the player’s fitness.
Amidst these controversies, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Steidten preferred other candidates for the managerial role over Lopetegui, implying that he was not instrumental in the decision to appoint the former Spain boss. However, West Ham has refuted this assertion, clarifying that all stakeholders, including Steidten, were in agreement regarding the appointment. A senior club source stated that Steidten participated in all interviews for prospective head coaches, affirming that the decision to bring Lopetegui on board was a collective one.
Bailey further noted that while Steidten was involved in the interview process, the driving force behind Lopetegui’s appointment was club owner David Sullivan, who was reportedly impressed by the manager during their discussions. The current situation for West Ham is precarious, with mounting pressure on Lopetegui to secure better results. Implementing a new style of play may take time, particularly following the summer’s significant roster changes, where 21 players left the club.
For Lopetegui, immediate results are critical to buy him time to refine West Ham’s approach to matches. Although the team’s possession and passing metrics have seen some improvement, they have conceded the most shots in the league and created the second-fewest high-quality scoring opportunities. Upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Brentford, and Ipswich present a vital opportunity for Lopetegui to secure crucial wins and restore confidence within the squad.
Joe Seph