David Moyes has openly admitted his disappointment with West Ham United’s performances this season, as the club finds itself languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live Breakfast in comments relayed by the BBC Sport website, Moyes reflected on the progress made during his tenure and contrasted it with the current challenges facing the club under Julen Lopetegui.

When asked about his feelings regarding West Ham’s current state, Moyes remarked, “It’s a strange question [whether he’s happy with West Ham’s performances] – it can sometimes be like that, but I brought in so many of the players there. I’m so loyal to them, from the Czech boys to Jarrod Bowen. So many of them I brought in and I’ve got a great relationship with.”

Moyes’ remarks emphasized his role in shaping the squad that achieved significant milestones under his leadership. He highlighted the stability the club enjoyed during his tenure, which included three consecutive years of European football and respectable league finishes. “We had just about got to a period of really good stability at West Ham,” he said. “The people who watch football and know will tell you, West Ham have had different difficulties throughout at different times – but I think the last three or four years were really stable.”

However, Moyes expressed disappointment that the club seems to have lost that stability. Despite not being involved in a relegation battle, West Ham’s current standing and performances have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. Moyes’ frustration is particularly understandable given the strong foundation he left behind, which now appears to be eroding.

The Lopetegui Conundrum

Julen Lopetegui, who replaced Moyes in the summer, was expected to take West Ham to new heights, especially after significant investments during the transfer window. The Hammers spent heavily to strengthen their squad, and there was widespread optimism that they would challenge for European qualification once again. However, Lopetegui’s reign has so far failed to meet expectations.

While some of the summer signings have made positive contributions, others have struggled to make an impact. Critics argue that Lopetegui’s tactical approach has not improved the team’s overall performance and, at times, appears to have set them back compared to Moyes’ era. His style, described as similar to Moyes’ in certain aspects, has been criticized for lacking the intensity and effectiveness that defined West Ham’s success under the Scotsman.

Adding to the challenges is the recent injury to Jarrod Bowen, one of West Ham’s most influential players. Bowen’s absence could further expose the team’s vulnerabilities, particularly in attack, where he has been a consistent performer. With the January transfer window approaching, there is mounting pressure on the club to bring in reinforcements to avoid a potential slide toward the relegation zone.

Fans’ Growing Frustrations

Many fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision to appoint Lopetegui, questioning whether he was the right choice to replace Moyes. David Sullivan’s decision to bring in the former Real Madrid manager was met with skepticism, and the team’s struggles this season have only fueled those doubts. While Lopetegui has a solid pedigree, his inability to build on the foundation left by Moyes has raised concerns about the club’s long-term direction.

For Moyes, watching the team he helped build falter has been a bittersweet experience. His legacy at West Ham includes stabilizing the club, achieving European success, and bringing in key players who remain central to the squad. However, the current trajectory under Lopetegui suggests that the stability Moyes worked so hard to establish is slipping away.

As West Ham prepare for a crucial period in their season, the pressure is mounting on Lopetegui to turn things around. Whether through tactical adjustments, squad reinforcements in January, or a renewed focus on consistency, the Spaniard must find a way to steer the Hammers back on track. Failure to do so could lead to a season of underachievement and further scrutiny of the club’s decision-making at the managerial level.