West Ham deadline for Julen Lopetegui 'revealed' amid talk of 'major threat' to managerial position

With West Ham United 14th in the Premier League table after 11 matches so far this season, manager Julen Lopetegui is under pressure. The Hammers have won just one game in their last four and headed into the international break with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton.

The Hammers were expecting big things this season after they brought in the likes of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, none of the new signings have lived up to expectations and the football under Lopetegui has been cause for grumbles from a significant portion of the Hammers fan base.

Reports have emerged that the bosses at West Ham are unhappy with the current situation, and that Lopetegui’s role at the club is under pressure as he is ‘right on the edge’ - despite the Spaniard’s contract has him staying at the London Stadium until June 2026.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, who is said to have close sources at West Ham, said that Lopetegui has been given a deadline to improve results, otherwise he could be on the way out.

He said: “He’s being backed publicly but behind the scenes, there is a lot of unhappiness. If he survives the international break then he’ll get through to Christmas and he’ll be reviewed again then.

“But he’s right on the edge at the moment. It’s not surprising. The style of play is lacklustre, as far as West Ham fans see it. It’s a case of be careful what you wish for, because Moyes has gone and they’re now in the same place – if not worse.”

West Ham’s fixtures until Christmas

If Lopetegui is given until Christmas to turn things around, the Hammers will need to be patient with their first two games before they hit a run of winnable games before the 25th of December.

West Ham have fixtures against Newcastle and Arsenal immediately after the international break which will prove tough, however after that, they face what should be less challenging games against Leicester, Wolves, Bournemouth and Brighton.

The two latter games will not be easy, however, as Bournemouth have beaten both Arsenal and Manchester City so far this season. Brighton also beat City last time out and sit sixth in the Premier League.

The matches against Leicester City and Wolves could define Lopetegui’s reign at West Ham, as the are both behind the Hammers in the table and based on early season form, he would be expected to get three points in both.

Former West Ham player the favourite to replace Lopetegui

In terms of managers who could be in line to take over at the London Stadium. Former Everton and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is the favourite as things stand due to his links to the club as he played for West Ham for six years before joining Chelsea in 2001.

However, Lampard has recently applied for the vacant manager role at Coventry City in the Championship following the shock sacking of Mark Robins and so he may not be available if or when West Ham decide to part ways with Julen Lopetegui.

Other favourites for the West Ham role include Graham Potter, Brendan Rodgers and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.