In fairness to Lopetegui, West Ham were abject under Moyes for most of the 2022/23 season while the manager bedded in a raft of new signings but they gelled in time for a famous triumph in the Europa Conference League. Lopetegui has already asked fans to judge him in May, which seems optimistic but not entirely unreasonable.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has apologised to supporters following their 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, but is confident there will be “better moments” in the future. West Ham conceded three goals in eight minutes and Mohammed Kudus was sent off for violent conduct after shoving Micky van de Ven and Pape Mate Sarr in the face.

West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui may be fighting to avoid the sack after a poor start to the season, with five candidates in the frame to replace him.