Former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has been handed a one-match ultimatum by West Ham. It comes after a series of struggles as new Hammers boss.
Julen Lopetegui was unveiled as the new West Ham manager in the summer. The Spanish boss, who has plenty of experience in La Liga, was faced with the task of replacing Scottish legend and long-time Premier League great David Moyes.
However, in his opening 14 Premier League matches, Lopetegui has not made any progress at West Ham. If anything, he has only sent the club backwards.
Now, it might be of interest to Real Madrid fans to hear that Julen Lopetegui is at serious risk of losing his Premier League job. He seriously needs to back his ideas up.
Former Real Madrid manager handed ultimatum by West Ham
According to an update from Fabrizio Romano, Julen Lopetegui has been handed one final chance to prove himself to the West Ham board. This means that he will remain in his West Ham job for at least one more match, as the Hammers face Wolves.
🚨⚒️ West Ham are prepared to give Julen Lopetegui one more chance as he’s being confirmed to lead the squad against Wolves.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 5, 2024
Spanish manager remains under serious pressure, with several candidates being considered in case situation does not change. pic.twitter.com/NERY6d1PaT
On paper, this is a game which West Ham should win comfortably. Historically, they are a better side than Wolves and even in West Ham's worst season for some time, they are still above Wolves in the table.
West Ham host Wolves in the Premier League on Monday night. If we are reading between the lines correctly, Julen Lopetegui needs to win this game if he is to keep his job at West Ham.
Now, why is this relevant to Real Madrid fans? Well, there is clearly a history between Real Madrid and Julen Lopetegui. Not only did he play for Real Madrid back in the day but he also managed the club, at two different levels. He started off his career by managing the Real Madrid B side. Then, he came back to manage in 2018.
Real Madrid have a history of bringing familiar faces back to Real Madrid. With Carlo Ancelotti seemingly in trouble in the Spanish capital, there will be plenty of names like Lopetegui who inevitably crop up as his replacement.
That said, it would be a step backwards if Real Madrid hired Julen Lopetegui, even on a short-term basis. Santiago Solari would be a better option to step in short-term.
Not only did Lopetegui underperform massively during his time as Real Madrid boss, including a hurtful 5-1 El Clasico loss, he has shown no signs of improvement since leaving the Spanish capital.
Still, it is interesting for Real Madrid fans to learn about their alumni.