Sun. Dec 15th, 2024
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Under-pressure West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui says “we are going to change the situation” at the struggling club.

The Spaniard’s future was debated by senior club figures after Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester City.

The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League table and have won just one of their last five games as they go 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 asked if 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 have big commitment to my work, always, and I am very happy to stay at West Ham. We are going to change the situation.”

When it was put to Lopetegui that he has one game to save his job, he replied: “I [am] not thinking about this. I [am] thinking we have one very important challenge on Monday against a good team.

“We have to be focused to have a good answer and develop our work until Monday, to get ready to face them and to give our fans a good day.

“I understand all the things around football and I understand my main aim and responsibility is to be ready for a tough, hard match.

“But in the same way, it’s a big opportunity and challenge for us at home, to be ready to achieve the three points. That is the most important thing.”

West Ham fans have been frustrated at the team’s playing style 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 also lost both games since a 2-0 win at Newcastle and now face a Wolves side beaten 4-0 at Everton on Wednesday.

“I don’t have anything to say against my players,” said former Real Madrid and Spain coach Lopetegui. “I accept the responsibility and the pressure. That’s why I am a coach.

“For sure, we’re not happy and, for sure, the fans are always right. That’s why I think, until now, they give us much more than we give them.

“We have to change this, and we are looking for this.”

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