So Paul Merson is the latest pundit to weigh in and have his say on Julen Lopetegui coming into West Ham United to replace David Moyes.
Julen Lopetegui will take over from current West Ham boss David Moyes when the Scot’s contract officially expires on on July 1st.
The 57-year-old Spaniard definitely wasn’t most Hammers fans’ first choice to replace Moyes, myself included.
However, as time has gone on, and with more detailed research into his managerial style, I really do think he could take us on to the next level.
Lopetegui has a lot of work to do at the London Stadium this season with probably only six current players guaranteed to be regular starters next term.
He certainly won’t take any rubbish from David Sullivan, and has been known to fall out with owners in the past because of his demands.
I think that’s a good thing though. It means that Sullivan will have to back up his promises with some real funds.
The former Sevilla, Real Madrid, Porto, Spain national team and Wolves manager has what it takes to be a big success at the London Stadium.
Now Merson has had his say on the incoming Hammers gaffer…
Paul Merson makes astonishing Julen Lopetegui prediction
Merson has been well-known for being somewhat of a controversial pundit since he hung up his boots.
I would suggest that he is ill-informed, rather than controversial.
And Merson proved that in abundance with his latest take on Lopetegui.
“The manager who’s coming in, he’s got experience and plays a similar way to what David Moyes does. If he stays there for 25 years, he won’t win as much as Moyes won. I know West Ham fans want a certain way of football, this manager won’t be any different. They’ll be shocked, they’ll be shocked. He’s like for like, and he’ll set up not to get beat first. He’s experienced and he’s been round the block. For me, under Moyes, they’ve won a European trophy, unbelievable.”
Merson is so wide of the mark here it’s untrue.
Yes, I really do hope he does set up like that against Arsenal, but not Bournemouth, Brighton, Fulham and Burnley at home like Moyes did!
Lopetegui likes his defenders and goalkeeper to play out from the back, so he is in no way similar to Moyes.
Paul Merson clearly watched incoming West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui trying to steer Wolves clear of a relegation battle, and he has formed his opinion on the Spaniard from that alone.
Dear me, the depths that football punditry has sunk to now really has been such a shame to witness. There is no thoughtful insight anymore, just ridiculous statements from people who don’t actually know what they’re talking about.
I prefer to listen to those in the know, like Guillem Balague who have watched Lopetegui throughout his entire career.
Finally, if Lopetegui is in charge at West Ham for 25 years, he will undoubtedly win more trophies than Moyes did, there is no doubt in my mind about that.
READ ALSO:
£28m West Ham flop could be given lifeline by Julen Lopetegui, he tried to sign him in 2022
The bare minimum David Sullivan expects from Julen Lopetegui in the Premier League next season
David Ornstein makes incredible Lopetegui claim that’ll have West Ham fans dancing on rooftops