LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Expectant West Ham supporters will be delighted to hear the news from Italy on Monday night when Julen Lopetegui makes his decision.
Italy is the birthplace of so many wonderful things, including food, wine, fashion, and history.
In the case of West Ham, we can thank Italy for producing two of the team’s all-time greats: Paolo Di Canio and, of course, the legendary Angelo Ogbonna.
It appears that more good is now on the way for West Ham from Italy.
The desire of Hammers supporters to be thrilled about the team’s plans to oust David Moyes is overwhelming.
Nevertheless, it appears that only Paulo Fonseca and Ruben Amorim have captivated the interest of the fan base thus far.
The “company line” that says no decisions will be taken until the end of the season is still being promoted by West Ham.
However, an increasing number of fans are tired with the Scottish player’s approach to the game. Additionally, 14 managers have been connected to West Ham in the past week.
With just four victories from 22 games in 2024, the team’s appalling record hardly provides the ownership with any reason to retain Moyes.
Lopetegui battle fans are not interested in winning.
The management of the Hammers have had discussions with Sporting director Amorim and unemployed Julen Lopetegui.
Majority owner David Sullivan is reported to have been impressed by the latter.
The idea has not exactly been warmly received by West Ham supporters, who, according to the cynics, would prefer not to have any recompense paid for.
Hammers News was informed by a leading Wolves analyst that fans have legitimate concerns about Lopetegui.
His mindset and play style have been compared to, you guessed it, Moyes. In fact, some have gone so far as to call Lopetegui a “Spanish Moyes.”
There are doubts about Lopetegui’s hiring that extend beyond the Hammers.
Evening news will delight many as Lopetegui chooses
When it was reported Lopetegui was going to snub AC Milan for the Irons, the Italian giants’ fans were reportedly hugely relieved.
There was no lack of irony at the weekend then when we reported on claims from Italy that the situation had changed and Milan had “beaten” West Ham to Lopetegui.
This time it was many of the Hammers faithful who were relieved.
So there was dismay earlier today when The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg reported that West Ham are back in the mix to appoint Lopetegui. That came, he claimed, after the former Wolves manager’s talks with Milan stalled.
A large section of West Ham fans want a modern coach who plays exciting, progressive football that is the polar opposite to Moyes’ style.
Spaniard has informed West Ham of decision
Europe’s top leagues are now full of Pep Guardiola disciples. And playing a low block and surrendering the lion’s share of possession in almost every game is simply far too dull.
So you can forgive West Ham fans for not getting the bunting out at the prospect of Lopetegui replacing Moyes.
Now back to my earlier point about good things coming from Italy and yet another twist.
Because evening news from Italy will delight expectant West Ham fans as Lopetegui makes his choice.
According to Football Italia this evening, Lopetegui has chosen Milan.
And the 58-year-old has already informed West Ham of his decision.
Now all Milan are waiting for is the former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss to add his signature to a three-year contract worth £3.4m per season.
