Julen Lopetegui confident West Ham will improve amid growing pressure ahead of crunch Everton clash

Evening Standard

·7 November 2024

Julen Lopetegui confident West Ham will improve amid growing pressure ahead of crunch Everton clash

Lopetegui under the spotlight and Everton game could prove crucial to his future

Julen Lopetegui is confident West Ham will improve under him, amid growing pressure on the Hammers manager after a poor start to the season.

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Lopetegui has struggled for results since replacing David Moyes in the summer and West Ham face Everton on Saturday in a game that could prove crucial to his future.

“We are not happy to stay in this position, for sure”, said Lopetegui, whose side sit 14th in the Premier League.

“We are aware that the last two matches at home had good results. We are focusing on the next match against Everton with this mentality. We are going to face a very good match and have to be ready. The first step is Everton. The only focus we have is Everton.”

Lopetegui dodged a question on whether he has been given pressure by co-owner and chairman David Sullivan to deliver immediate results, saying: “I don't need to answer that, I know [the situation].”

Lopetegui added: “I know that we are going to improve. The end of the season is so far [away]. I’m sure we are going to be able to overcome this moment to win much more and to be better. I’m sure it’s going to arrive.

“We have the commitment of the players. Despite the problems with the players we have that we can’t use, I think that the rest of the players have the opportunity to be one step ahead.”