West Ham's Lopetegui 'not listening' to speculation

Manager Julen Lopetegui says he is "not listening" to speculation over his future at West Ham after an underwhelming start to the season.

Lopetegui, 58, took charge of West Ham over the summer, succeeding David Moyes, but has won just three Premier League games.

The Hammers sit 14th in the league and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool, with suggestions he could be sacked.

"I am not listening to or reading about what is said. I am really focused," Lopetegui 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, is being able to work better with a high demand, knowing that our players are going to get better for sure and also knowing that the [end of the] season arrives in May, not November, so let's see what is going to happen in two or three months."

West Ham reached the Europa League quarter-finals and finished ninth in the Premier League during Moyes' final campaign at the club.

Former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui spent in the region of £125m over the summer to enhance his squad, but has been unable to deliver results.

West Ham return to Premier League action on Monday with a trip to eighth-placed Newcastle.

"Our life is to live under pressure. Our work is like this and that is why we choose this kind of work," Lopetegui said.

"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.

"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."