Julen Lopetegui, the head coach of West Ham, has demonstrated great bravery by insisting that the team purchase a new striker in January. It’s a daring move from a manager under duress, obviously rebutting the claim that he bears all responsibility for the team’s shortcomings. Don’t get me wrong, the Spaniard was not my first pick to succeed David Moyes, but I’m still not sure about his abilities and qualities. I do believe that he has been the target of media leaks, though, which at best aim to disassociate Tim Steidten from Lopetegui’s appointment and, at worst, to discredit him.
As a result, I reluctantly admire Lopetegui, who is obviously retaliating, albeit in a vulnerable way. Since his arrival, Steidten has occupied a position akin to that of a messiah at West Ham, and the team was quite justified in taking a more European stance when they hired him.
Since he has been rightfully commended for his role in successful transfers, it is only fitting that any unsuccessful ones also draw criticism. Most people concur that Lopetegui did not select Niclas Füllkrug to be the starting line at West Ham, and it would be reasonable to argue that Steidten forced the transfer. I don’t blame the Irons’ manager in the slightest for his demands for a new striker, especially in light of the public outcry he has received in the media.
Steidten’s allies in the media have sought to separate the German from Lopetegui’s appointment, so it’s hard to blame Lopetegui for wanting to distance himself from a striker signing that supposedly wasn’t his choice.
Of course, none of this is particularly healthy for the club, with the two men in charge of football affairs playing a media game of chess. However, Lopetegui is correct in asserting that the Hammers can’t rely on Michail Antonio to lead the line all season.
While Lopetegui is responsible for the poor performances and results this season, if the squad is imbalanced, that fault lies with Steidten and the Hammers board.
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