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Under fire West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui he refused to be drafted on reports that he had one game to save his job before the crisis Premier League conflict with his former club Wolves.
The Spaniard’s future was discussed by senior club figures following Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester, which followed a 5-2 defeat by London rivals Arsenal.
Lopetegui, who has supported by the Hammers board for now, he has no intention of leaving his role and is determined to win over disgruntled fans.
“I didn’t think about it,” he said at a press conference when asked if Monday night’s match could be his last. “I thought we had a very important challenge against a good team.
“To conclude this kind of question, I understand all the things about football and I understand that my main goal and responsibility is to be ready for a tough and difficult game.
“But in the same way, (it’s) a big opportunity and a challenge for us at home to be ready to get the three points, that’s even more important.
“For sure, we are not happy and for sure the fans are always right. That’s why so far I think that they give us much more than we give them and we have to change that. We are working on this.”
Lopetegui took 15 points in a career-best 14 games after being substituted David Moyes in the summer, with wins over Manchester United and Newcastle among their four wins.
However, the former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla manager suffered defeat in half of those matches and left his team in 14th place in the table.
Lopetegui refused to blame his players for the club’s woes and played down rumors of a falling out with defender Jean-Clair Todiba at half-time of last weekend’s heavy defeat by Arsenal.
“The players have shown fantastic behavior and commitment so far,” he said.
“I had nothing to say against my players. I don’t allow myself to talk bad about my players. I assume and accept all responsibility and pressure, that’s why I’m a coach.
“My players have to enjoy their profession and be demanding of themselves, they are.”
Asked about a possible falling out with Todiba, Lopetegui replied: “Things that happen in the dressing room must always stay in the dressing room.
“I know exactly what you want and what you were thinking, but nothing important happened.”
Upcoming opponents Wolves are languishing in the relegation zone amid their turbulent spell.
Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil is also under huge pressure, having endured chants of “you’ll be sacked in the morning” from traveling fans during Wednesday’s 4-0 rout of Everton.
Lopetegui was in charge of Molineux briefly – between November 2022 and August 2023 – before resigning due to the club’s financial constraints.
Despite the intense scrutiny, the 58-year-old is not considering leaving his current job.
“You’re talking about a very, very different situation,” he said.
“I have a great commitment in my work always, with my clubs always, and I’m very happy to stay at West Ham, I’m very proud to be at West Ham.
“We will change the situation. That’s why we’re working to be ready on Monday.”