West Ham stand by Lopetegui for crucial Wolves clash despite mounting pressure

West Ham United have decided to retain Julen Lopetegui as manager for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves on Monday, despite intense speculation about his future.

The decision comes in the wake of Tuesday's disappointing 3-1 defeat at Leicester City, which had prompted senior club figures to debate Lopetegui's position.

Despite acknowledging that recent losses have dampened the optimism generated by their victory at Newcastle on 25 November, the club board has opted to keep faith with the former Spain and Real Madrid manager for now.

Some allowance has been given to Lopetegui's side for their performance at Leicester, where they created numerous chances but failed to capitalise on them.

The Hammers face a crucial run of fixtures, including matches against Bournemouth, Brighton, and Southampton, before encountering Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester City.

While former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been linked with the club as a potential replacement, West Ham's immediate focus remains on the vital clash with Wolves, whose own manager Gary O'Neil is also under significant pressure.