Although Tim Steidten, the technical director of West Ham United, would have preferred Ruben Amorim to take over at the London Stadium, the two have had a “good working relationship” this summer, according to MailOnline journalists Kathryn Batte and Sami Mokbel.
In contrast to his predecessor David Moyes, the Spanish strategist is said to have enjoyed working with the Hammers’ transfer guru throughout the summer when West Ham invested around £140 million on nine new players.
Along with the permanent additions of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodriguez, and Wes Foderingham, there were season-long loans of Carlos Soler and Jean-Clair Todibo.
West Ham, one of the Premier League’s highest spending clubs this summer, hasn’t been able to match such heights in their season debut, though, as they sit 14th in the standings after taking home just four points from their opening five games.
Following a lackluster beginning to Lopetegui’s time at the London Stadium, there were rumors circulating that Steidten did not even consider the Spaniard as his top pick to take over the team following the previous campaign. Steidten favored the choice of Sporting CP manager Amorim, but owner David Sullivan apparently pushed for the appointment of the former Real Madrid manager, according to MailOnline.
West Ham Boss Under Pressure
During the summer transfer window, Lopetegui and Steidten collaborated well, according to MailOnline, even though the technical director preferred Amorim’s selection as manager.
Over the summer, there was talk around the club that Steidten and Lopetegui got along well.
“According to sources who spoke with Mail Sport, Steidten is laid back and friendly with both staff and players. He is characterized as a kind and laid-back guy who uses the phone a lot.
Though he had a good transfer window and worked with Steidten, a dismal start to the season has stoked speculation of Lopetegui’s early departure.
The Spaniard, who has only managed one victory in his opening five Premier League games, is reportedly under intense scrutiny at the London Stadium and has been given three games to salvage his West Ham career, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
After a dismal start to the season, the West Ham administration is apparently keeping a tight eye on Lopetegui in their upcoming matches against Brentford, Ipswich Town, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Lopetegui returned to English football over a year after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023, when he inked a rumored two-year contract at the London Stadium this summer.
