There are reportedly doubts within West Ham United over Julen Lopetegui despite the Spaniard being the frontrunner to replace David Moyes if the Scot walks away at the end of the season, according to The Times.
Lopetegui is the favourite to take over from Moyes, whose contract expires in the summer, with the ex-Wolves manager reportedly close to an agreement with the Irons [The Guardian].
However, it is thought that some within the club remain yet to be convinced about the Spaniard’s suitability.
Journalist Gary Jacob wrote for the Times (3 May): “However, there are some doubts about Lopetegui, 57, inside the club after extensive due diligence on him from his spell at Wolves last season.
“Lopetegui’s time at Wolves turned sour over a perceived lack of money to spend in the transfer market, despite him signing a three-year contract.
“He lasted less than a year at Molineux and has been out of work since leaving the club in August, less than a week before the start of the season.”
Julen Lopetegui could prove a divisive appointment at West Ham United
Despite Lopetegui’s status as the most likely candidate to succeed Moyes in the West Ham dugout – should a replacement be officially required – it is clear that some reticence remains, and not just within the club.
Hammers supporters do not appear overly enamoured with the board’s choice of replacement for Moyes, with many fans hoping for a younger, more progressive manager to guide the next step of the team’s evolution.
Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim, for example, was received much better as a potential candidate by supporters before the 39-year-old backtracked after flying to London for talks.
Other options exist, too, that fans would likely prefer. Lille boss Paulo Fonseca and Graham Potter have also been mentioned as possible options and do not appear to be unattainable targets, either.
If Lopetegui is unable to convince his doubters within the club, perhaps it is best they look elsewhere.
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