According to the Mirror, West Ham United have identified Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick as a possibility to replace their under-fire manager Julen Lopetegui, who is now on a tight rope at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have had a poor start to the season, winning only four of their first 14 Premier League games, placing them 14th in the rankings. The East Londoners suffered their sixth league defeat of the season on Tuesday night at the King Power Stadium, and Lopetegui is now reportedly on the verge of being fired if he fails to deliver in Monday night’s must-win game against Wolves.
West Ham look to be prepping for a future exit, with many managers connected to the hot seat at the London Stadium this week. According to The Mirror, Carrick, described as a ‘great’ manager, has been added to this list of names after David Sullivan and Tim Steidten were pleased by the former Manchester United midfielder’s managerial abilities.
West Ham are considering Carrick, but Lopetegui is on shaky ice. Lopetegui, who succeeded David Moyes this summer, received significant transfer market support from West Ham’s board. Thus, the former Wolves coach was anticipated to lead his team to battle for a place in Europe, but after 14 games, they are not on track to do so.
He’s now potentially just one defeat away from being fired, with the Irons reportedly scouting potential alternatives. GMS sources indicated earlier this week that Roger Schmidt is being considered, and GMS sources also revealed that the club’s management is concerned that Mohamed Kudus, Niclas Fullkrug, and Jean-Clair Todibo will force their way out if Lopetegui stays.
This anxiety may motivate them to act on the maligned strategist and pursue one of their shortlisted targets. According to the Mirror, Carrick is one of these contenders, although West Ham are aware that he may be difficult to persuade to leave Middlesbrough midway through the season, especially if they are on a promotion run.
However, Carrick is admired by. Jose Mourinho may feel ready to make the step-up to the Premier League after spending more than two years at the Riverside, and could be intrigued by the chance of coaching a club he played for.
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