Julen Lopetegui 'sack' update as West Ham prepare for Newcastle United clash

Lopetegui is under intense pressure ahead of the Premier League visit to Newcastle United after the international break following an underwhelming start to the season.

The 58-year-old succeeded David Moyes in the summer and saw more £100million injected into his squad through the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, Guido Rodríguez, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville, Carlos Soler, Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme.

But 11 games into the new season and West Ham sit 14th in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation following Saturday’s bore draw at home to Everton.

There are concerns about the lack of improvement in performances since replacing Moyes. There is a growing discontent among supporters, who booed at the full-time whistle at the weekend.

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As per The Times, West Ham majority shareholder David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten will meet to discuss Lopetegui’s future. That said, the Spaniard is likely to remain in charge for the trip to St James’ Park as it’s claimed the pair won’t be rushed into a decision.

Lopetegui is second favourite with the bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager sacked after Southampton’s Russell Martin.

“I always work under pressure, this is not new,” Lopetegui said on his future. “I’m very happy with the commitment of the players, I’m very happy with the club

“We are sure that we are not happy with our position but we are sure we are going to be able to finish higher. I assure you a lot of things change in a few months.

“Sometimes it’s about the decisions, to have the personality to do the right things,, We have to improve in this situation. The players have to say, ‘Here I am, we are going to be able to do the things that we need.’”