Michail Antonio issues his verdict on West Ham appointing Julen Lopetegui as new manager

Michail Antonio has issued his verdict on David Moyes leaving West Ham United at the end of the season, with the Scot to be replaced as manager by Julen Lopetegui.

It is going to be fascinating to watch how West Ham fare over the next few months as David Moyes prepares to step aside at the end of his second spell in charge at the London Stadium.

Of course, the highlight of his spell came when the Hammers won the Europa Conference League last season, but things have become a little more stale this year, with the side just about finding themselves in the top-half of the Premier League table.

West Ham decided to make a change, with Julen Lopetegui set to take over in the summer. The Spaniard has been out of work since leaving Wolves last year.

Michail Antonio excited to work with Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

Lopetegui won the Europa League with Sevilla, and has previously managed Spain and Real Madrid, so he certainly has an impressive reputation.

And speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, Michail Antonio suggested that he is excited to get the chance to work with Lopetegui.

“Everything the manager has achieved so far has been unbelievable, so I hear the fans constantly saying that he’s going to be a legend at the club for the rest of his life, because obviously, he’s done something that many managers haven’t been able to, and that’s win a cup. So football, it’s forever rotating, a Ferris wheel, managers come in and managers go, and players come in and players go, even owners come in and owners go. So now, it’s his time and obviously, it’s not a bad time because everything that he’s achieved and everything that he’s done, it’s time to pass it on,” he said, concerning Moyes.

“And obviously, the new manager coming in, if you look at his CV anyway, he’s done some unbelievable stuff, unbelievable clubs, and I feel like his philosophy’s completely different to David Moyes. So it’s an exciting time, something new, so you never know what’s going to happen, let’s just see how it goes.”

A gamble Hammers had to take

It did appear that Moyes’ tenure had approached its natural conclusion, with fans becoming more and more vocal with their discontent.

In some ways, Moyes was a victim of his own success, but it is now clear what kind of potential West Ham could have if everything clicks.

It remains to be seen if Lopetegui is the right man to take the club forward in the years to come. Some will have their concerns that the decision will prove to be as unsuccessful as the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini in between Moyes’ two tenures.

But clearly, some of the players are looking forward to the arrival of Lopetegui.