Lopetegui laughs off claims he has two games to save his job

Julen Lopetegui has laughed off claims he has two games left to save his job at West Ham.

The Spaniard is under increasing pressure after a poor start to his Hammers tenure, sitting just five points above the relegation zone after three wins from 11 games.

Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, confirmed he had spoken to West Ham chairman David Sullivan during the international break but dismissed suggestions from reports in recent days that his future will depend on their results against Newcastle and Arsenal.

“No, the only thing I'm focused on is to be able to go to Newcastle in a tough game against a very good team,” Lopetegui said with a laugh when asked if the next two games would decide his fate. “The rest, believe me, it's football, it's up to you, the press… I'm not focused on this.

'It is true that we are not happy with the position we are in, but we still have a lot of time to change that. This is step by step to correct little by little what we need to do to improve as a team and compete at the maximum level.”

However, speculation this week suggested Lopetegui might not get this time if things go poorly at St James' Park on Monday night, with the club hierarchy reportedly starting the search for his replacement with a list of names including former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin. Terzic.

“Our lives consist of living under pressure,” Lopetegui added. 'That is why we choose this world.

'The most important thing is that we are working very hard to improve a lot. The players have a great commitment to doing this. I am sure we will reach our level.

'I don't listen or read. I am focused on working in my daily work to be able to understand what can be done to become a better team. The rest of things are out of my control.

“We have done good things, but not enough and we need to do more good things.

“We are focusing all our attention on the things we can control to work better, setting high standards knowing that the players need to do better and knowing that the season starts in May, not November. Let's see what happens in two or three months.'

Lopetegui confirmed that the Hammers will still be without striker Niclas Fullkrug for these two key games, with the £27million summer signing sitting out due to an Achilles injury.

Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus remain suspended, while Lopetegui was hopeful about the fitness of two unnamed players with knocks ahead of the trip to St James' Park.

“Niclas is out, he is improving, but he is not ready for Newcastle yet,” said Lopetegui. 'We have a little problem with two players, but we have to look at that tomorrow. I hope they are ready for the challenge on Monday.

'It is a busy and important month for us with many competitions. We have to be ready to be competitive. Fortunately, Edson's red card suspension ends after Newcastle, Kudus after two more games.

'Maybe after the next two games we will get more players. Fullkrug might be done after these two games.

“We will have better chances to be competitive and have better answers in the next challenge.”