Lopetegui refuses to buckle as West Ham pressure mounts

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui claimed he is not losing any sleep over reports he is in danger of being sacked by the troubled Premier League club.

Lopetegui’s side are just five points above the relegation zone after winning only three of their first 11 matches.

The Hammers will head to Newcastle on Monday with Lopetegui firmly in the spotlight amid speculation he has just two games left to save his job.

Former Real Madrid and Spain boss Lopetegui only took over from David Moyes in the close season on his return to the Premier League following his previous spell at Wolves.

But despite the intense pressure on him so early in his reign, the 58-year-old refuses to become disillusioned.

“Our life is to live under pressure. Our work is like this and that is why we choose this kind of work,” Lopetegui told reporters on Friday.

“I am not listening to or reading about what is said. I am really focused.

“The more important thing is that we are working very hard to improve. I think the players have a big commitment to do this and I am sure we are going to achieve our levels.”

West Ham have won just one of their last four games and a loss at Newcastle would a huge blow to Lopetegui’s job security.

“We are all not happy with the position we are in, but there is a lot of time to change this,” he said.

“My focus is to work in the team and to be able to understand what things can help us be a better team.

“The rest, this is not under our control – what is being able to work better with a high demand, knowing that our players are going to get better for sure.

“The only thing I am focused on now is going to Newcastle on Monday and trying to get a good result in a tough game.”