Lobetegui takes command of West Ham's.

Lobetegui takes command of West Ham's must-win game against Wolves.

Under-pressure West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui will be in charge for Monday's game against Wolves; the Hammers board continues to review his future. Watch West Ham versus Wolves on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event at 6.30 pm; kick-off at 8 pm.

The encounter at the London Stadium is practically a cup final for Lopetegui, according to the board. The Spaniard arrived at West Ham's training field on Thursday morning as the club's board continued to consider his future after consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Leicester.

Lopetegui is certain that he can improve West Ham's current condition, but he must provide better results if he is to keep his job. It is unclear how the 58-year-old will keep his job if West Ham loses against his previous side on Monday.

David Sullivan, West Ham's primary owner, prefers to stick by his managers for as long as feasible. Since he purchased his ownership in the club, West Ham has fired four managers in 14 years. The immense pressure on Lopetegui comes as West Ham are 14th in the Premier League and six points above the relegation zone, with the most alarming part of performances being the number of goals conceded (27 in 14 league games).

Lopetegui replaced David Moyes in the summer on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. When the former Real Madrid manager was hired by West Ham, he was required to achieve three things: integrate nine new acquisitions, some of whom had no previous experience at the top level; and adapt the system they were using to create more chances and win games more consistently.

Lopetegui is well aware that there is much space for improvement, but he believes he is on track to meet two of those three goals while still rebuilding his team. West Ham recorded 31 shots in their 3-1 loss to Leicester, their greatest total (since 2005-06) in a single Premier League match, but their shot conversion rate is only 8.7% this season, ranking 16th in the league.

However, the Irons have won only five of their 16 games under Lopetegui, raising concerns about his future. During the defeat to Leicester, West Ham's away fans made their sentiments about Lopetegui known by chanting "You're getting sacked in the morning". It is thought that some members of the West Ham board have lost faith in Lopetegui.

"He also studies all of the games forensically, and one of the things that has concerned everyone at the club is the West Ham defense's vulnerability. They've already allowed 27 goals in 14 games. 

According to Sky in Germany, if Lopetegui is fired, Edin Terzic, the former manager of Borussia Dortmund, will not take over. Terzic, a former West Ham assistant manager under Slaven Bilic, is out of work after leaving Dortmund in the summer after leading them to the Champions League final, where they were defeated by Real Madrid. Sky in Germany understands that Kasper Hjulmand is a viable alternative if Lopetegui is fired. The 52-year-old Dane is unemployed after leaving his position as manager of the Denmark national team in the summer, but he has not led a club since 2019.

Lopetegui's opponent on Monday is also under pressure, with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil poised to take over at the London Stadium. O'Neil is "not concerned" about his future despite rising pressure following Wolves' 4-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Everton on Wednesday, just days after Bournemouth defeated them 4-2 at Molineux.

Wolves are second bottom in the Premier League with just two wins, and despite their continued support for O'Neil, the club has been looking for potential alternatives in case a managerial change is required. In terms of probable options, former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter has previously been admired, although he is believed to be an unlikely choice at this time.

When asked about his future before the key match, O'Neil replied: "I am not concerned about my future at all; only the future of the club. " This is not about me. Wolverhampton Wanderers should stay in the Premier League.

"We must find a solution to maintain this club in the Premier League. Monday's game will be as big as yesterday night's against Bournemouth." O'Neil, like Lopetegui, experienced fan reaction in midweek. When O'Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters at Goodison Park, they were met with boos, jeers, and abuse after only two wins in 14 league games.

"As a manager, one thing is certain: the fans are the only ones who can get you fired. "It's rare for supporters to sing your name after you've been fired. This weekend's main football match is versus West Ham. I am not saying from the board because they may have good contacts.

The board listens to the supporters. "Otherwise, if they don't listen to the supporters, they will activate the board. The board does not want them to turn against them, so they listen to the fans.