Hammers managerial target Julen Lopetegui has been left in ‘disbelief’ at a sudden U-turn and is now set for talks with West Ham’s rivals.
Julen Lopetegui is the name that won’t go away for West Ham.
Amid all the talk of West Ham being linked with managers from here there and everywhere – 15 of them to be precise – Lopetegui continues to be consistently reported as a real candidate to succeed David Moyes.
The problem is his name is doing next to nothing for West Ham fans who want change.
In fact many Hammers supporters are so underwhelmed about the potential of hiring the out of work former Wolves boss that they would rather then stick with the incumbent manager.
That is best highlighted by the results of a poll run by West Ham board insider Sean Whetstone.
He asked fans: ‘If there were only two choices, Lopetegui or Moyes, who would you prefer to manage West Ham next season?’
From nearly 5,000 votes, 56% of fans voted in favour of keeping Moyes.
Yet another Lopetegui twist
West Ham fans are right to have reservations too according to a top Wolves expert who spoke to Hammers News about their former boss.
They are not the only ones, though. We reported that AC Milan fans were hugely relieved when it seemed Lopetegui was going to snub them for West Ham.
Then it was claimed there had been a 360-degree turn and the 57-year-old had in fact reached a ‘draft agreement’ to take over from Stefano Piolo at the San Siro.
Well that did not go down well at all. As we reported, Milan’s hardcore fans launched an online protest against Lopetegui’s appointment with the hashtag #Nopetegui.
Milan have now responded by withdrawing the job offer.
Lopetegui in ‘disbelief’ at sudden U-turn
But rather than push Lopetegui into David Sullivan’s arms, it seems he could now end up at another English club instead.
Lopetegui has been left in ‘disbelief’ at the sudden U-turn and is now set for talks with West Ham’s rivals Manchester United.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have left the Spanish coach ‘shocked’ and in disbelief’ with their sudden change of heart, brought on by the fan backlash.
According to the report, Lopetegui was already studying the Milan squad ahead of the summer transfer window and was particularly disappointed to learn that the Rossoneri apparently based their decision on fans’ protests on social media.
Manchester United were in talks with his entourage a few months ago, and the report claims the Red Devils have now reignited their interest – something Lopetegui has welcomed.
Spaniard now set for talks with West Ham’s rivals
It is suggested those talks – to succeed Erik ten Hag – could take place soon.
Lopetegui is rumoured to have impressed West Ham in a recent chat.
Although there has been claim and counter claim about whether that took place as a formal interview or not.
This latest Lopetegui twist may come as a relief for West Ham fans who have been against his appointment.
Especially after Milan Live ran an article earlier stating: ‘a piece saying ‘’He goes to West Ham’, in regards to the future of the ex Real Madrid man.