West Ham delay Julen Lopetegui decision amid approach for six-time Serie A winner
12/05/2024 10:53 AM
Julen Lopetegui is set to be given one more match to save his job, talkSPORT understands.
The West Ham boss is under mounting pressure at the London Stadium less than six months after being appointed and met with owner David Sullivan on Thursday.
Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss to Leicester has increased calls from fans for a change in the dugout.
The Hammers have won just one of their last five matches, slipping to 14th in the table.
However, Lopetegui is expected to remain in charge for Monday night’s clash with Wolves.
That is despite the club holding talks with potential replacements.
Six-time Serie A winner Massimiliano Allegri is one of the names spoken to by West Ham representatives this week.
The former AC Milan and Juventus manager is available after leaving the Italian giants for a second time in May – but does not want to take a job mid-season.
Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter has also been approached.
Sporting director Tim Steidten, who advised owner Sullivan not to appoint Lopetegui, is understood to be pushing for a change.
As previously reported by talkSPORT, Steidten has already held talks with former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.
Ex-Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, currently without a club, has emerged as a surprise contender, along with ex-Porto boss Sergio Conceicao.
Since replacing David Moyes in the summer, Lopetegui has won just four of his 14 league matches at the helm.
The Spaniard has also fallen out with summer signing Jean-Clair Todibo.
The pair were involved in a furious row during the Hammers’ loss to Arsenal on Saturday.
It follows a separate clash with midfielder Mohammed Kudus earlier in the campaign.
Wolves are also understood to be considering a move for Potter, with Gary O’Neil’s future uncertain.
West Ham’s next opponents find themselves three points from safety in 19th after a 4-0 loss at Everton last night – and there is now serious jeopardy on the match for both managers.
