Troy Deeney believes West Ham United’s players should have one concern should former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui arrive at the London Stadium.

West Ham confirmed last week that David Moyes will be leaving the club at the end of the season. The Scotsman has endured a difficult campaign after guiding the club to a Europa League Conference title last time out. 

The Hammers are yet to name his successor but TBR Football confirmed on Monday that Julen Lopetegui is set to be confirmed as the club’s new manager. 

David Sullivan decided on the Spaniard as his preferred choice after a personal meeting between the duo last month.

Lopetegui left Wolves just three days before the current season and was replaced by Gary O’Neil, who was also under consideration at West Ham.

And Troy Deeney believes Lopetegui’s sudden departure from Wolves on the eve of the season should concern West Ham’s players.

Deeney says West Ham players should be worried about Lopetegui appointment

Speaking on Up Front, Deeney explained why he believes the appointment of Lopetegui wouldn’t be a great one for West Ham.

“I got bashed for saying be careful what you wish for and I think this is the prime example of that,” Deeney said. “The manager they are bringing in is the guy who left at the start of the season with one day to go, right? And said to Wolves, not for me.

“Now, we can all have our opinion on that. How do you say to the group of lads, I’m in with you, we’re all in we’re going to have a great pre-season and next season is going to be better.

“If I’m one of those lads, if I’m Michail Antonio or the like, I’m going why should I believe you? You left your own team last year. So I don’t think it’s a great appointment.”

Simon Jordan then asked: “Would you think that?”

“Absolutely! Because you’ve quit on the team, whether some things haven’t gone right or whatever I just think in the back of your head you’re going hold on,” Deeney added. 

The former Watford striker went on: “If I’m in the group, or let’s say I’m the captain at West Ham or Michail Antonio, been there a long time, I’d say listen boss, obviously it’s all nuance with the way you say things, I know you’ve just come in, me and a few of the lads think this. 

“I don’t know if you want to address it or you want to tell me and I’ll tell them but we thought you just left them lads at Wolves and that’s left a bit of a dodgy taste because the boys have asked. You’ve got to now answer that question, not because you owe us anything. It’s the elephant in the room, deal with it.”

Lopetegui’s record at Wolves

Lopetegui’s spell at Wolves proved to be a short one as he left due to frustrations over the club’s lack of spending, according to Sky Sports.

He took charge of just 22 league games with the Wanderers but boasts the best record of any Wolves manager in the Premier League era.

Indeed, the 57-year-old guided the Midlands club to nine wins in the league during his nine months at the club.

He will also arrive at the London Stadium with a proven track record in Europe after guiding Sevilla to a Europa League title back in 2020.