Exclusive: What David Sullivan is planning to do after Julen Lopetegui's poor start at West Ham

Today at 05:15 AM

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

After Julen Lopetegui's first six league games in charge of West Ham United, the Hammers have five points and have already lost three times.

Replacing David Moyes in the summer, Lopetegui was appointed to propel West Ham to the next step, and his transfer plans, alongside Tim Steidten's ideas, were backed in the summer. 

First and foremost, Max Kilman followed Lopetegui from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a move that precluded an exodus of centre-backs in east London.

Lopetegui seemingly has all of the tools to improve West Ham, but it simply hasn't come together as of yet and performances have been worrying.

That being said, TBR Football understands that West Ham's hierarchy are 'deeply concerned' by the club's start to the season.

West Ham hesistant to make ‘knee-jerk’ decision on Julen Lopetegui’s future

Club chairman David Sullivan rubber-stamped Lopetegui's arrival in the summer, an agreement was reached following a meeting at his home in April, prior to confirmation of Moyes' departure. 

Lopetegui hugely impressed Sullivan in those chats and that persuaded the club to go with the experienced Spaniard.

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However, life under Lopetegui hasn't started as hoped and there's currently very little sign that West Ham are on the cusp of turning things around.

As a result, Sullivan and the club's board are 'deeply concerned' by what they've seen, but they also insist there will not be a 'knee-jerk' reaction.

The Hammers take on Ipswich Town ahead of the next international break and club sources are not even anticipating what a defeat could mean for Lopetegui.

Although, Sullivan will not consider a change right now unless a better option presents themselves.

Jean-Clair Todibo has also disappointed since his arrival

Of course, Lopetegui isn't the only new arrival that has underwhelmed in east London this season.

Jean-Clair Todibo, a big money signing from Nice in Ligue 1, failed to displace Konstantinos Mavropanos in Lopetegui's strongest eleven prior to facing Brentford.

Kevin Nolan thought Todibo was 'really poor' in the 5-1 EFL cup defeat at Anfield, which was another disappointing night for the Hammers under their new boss.

Many will hope that facing Ipswich at home could be a turning point for this new project, but Kieran McKenna's side have already proved they're no pushovers.

And after drawing against Aston Villa on the weekend, Ipswich will be hoping to upset another side in claret come Saturday.