Julen Lopetegui: Under pressure, manager vows to ‘turn around’ West Ham’s fortunes
Under-pressure West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui says “we are going to turn the situation around” at the struggling club.
Club seniors debated the Spaniard’s future after Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester City.
The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table and have won just one of their last five games as they head into Monday’s home game with second-bottom Wolves.
Lopetegui left the Wolves job shortly before the start of the 2023–24 season after just nine months in charge.
And when asked whether he would leave West Ham after replacing David Moyes in May, the 58-year-old Spaniard said: “You are talking about a very different situation.
“I’ve always had a huge commitment to my work and I’m very happy to be at West Ham. We’re going to turn the situation around.”
When Lopetegui was asked if he had one game to save his job, he replied: “I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking that we have a very important game on Monday against a good team.” It’s a challenge.”
“We have to focus on giving a good response and developing our work until Monday, being ready to face them and giving our fans a good day.
“I understand everything related to football and I understand that my main objective and responsibility is to be ready for a tough, tough match.
“But at the same time, it’s a big opportunity and challenge for us to be ready to get three points at home. That’s the most important thing.”
West Ham fans have been frustrated with the team’s style of play under Lopetegui, who took charge in May, and the Hammers have won four and lost seven of their 14 league games so far this season.
They have lost both games since the 2-0 win at Newcastle and now face a Wolves side that suffered a 4-0 defeat at Everton on Wednesday.
“I have nothing to say against my players,” said Lopetegui, a former Real Madrid and Spain coach. “I accept responsibility and pressure. That’s why I’m a coach.”
“Of course, we are not happy and, of course, the fans are always right. That’s why I think, so far, they give us more than we give them.
“We have to change that and we’re looking into it.”
