Julen Lopetegui responds to big Jose Mourinho question as ‘Special One’ is tipped to replace him at West Ham

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Julen Lopetegui appeared to take umbrage to being asked a big question about Jose Mourinho as he is tipped to replace him at West Ham.

Speculation has been rife over the future of Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.

Since the thrashing at Spurs last weekend, Edin Terzic and Graham Potter have been linked as potential replacements for the Spaniard.

West Ham delivered the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ via club insider Sean Whetstone.

Now the Hammers face a huge game in the Premier League against Manchester United.

And one of their former managers is the latest to be linked with the east Londoners.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent off against Man United in the Europa League on Thursday night.

After the game he stated he wants to manage an English team NOT playing in Europe.

It was a not-so-subtle dig at UEFA and their officials.

‘Special One’ Mourinho tipped for West Ham

But nonetheless it has sparked something of a media frenzy and plenty of debate among West Ham fans.

Some Hammers supporters have been asking the question whether their fellow fans would take Mourinho at the London Stadium.

It also saw West Ham’s under pressure head coach asked directly about Mourinho in his pre-Man United press conference.

Lopetegui responded to the big Mourinho question as the ‘Special One’ is tipped to replace him at West Ham.

talkSPORT pundits Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara believe West Ham would be able to attract Mourinho. And they think the Portuguese could add more silverware to the trophy cabinet too.

“He might win West Ham something, he might win them a League Cup, but you know what, he will leave the club in under a cloud,” Cundy said.

“That’s how he always leaves clubs…

“He’s not going to go to Palace. Wolves, Southampton, Ipswich don’t need him, Everton. No. It feels like West Ham. All I can think of is West Ham right now.”

O’Hara agreed, adding: “There’s only one team that really can get him that aren’t in Europe. It’s West Ham. West Ham, just because of the stadium, because of the club.”

A reporter rather cheekily asked Lopetegui whether the Premier League needs Mourinho back.

Lopetegui’s terse response to big Mourinho question

The West Ham manager’s response was terse to say the least.

“I have nothing to talk about him,” Lopetegui said in his press conference.

“I am the coach of West Ham. We have enough work to do. This is one for you, not me.”

There is no doubting Mourinho is box office.

He would certainly breathe more life into West Ham’s unbearably dull press conferences, which have somehow become more dour since Lopetegui replaced David Moyes.

But if you were following Hammers News when Mourinho was linked over the summer you will know this is a non-starter.

As far as sources go, they don’t get much better than the person Hammers News put the big Mourinho question to.

And as far as responses go, they don’t get much more emphatic.

When asked whether there was any chance West Ham would consider appointing Mourinho, the key contact – in capital letters for emphasis – said: “ZERO.”