Everything was rosey at West Ham United in the summer, with Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten working in tandem.

Tim Steidten played a key role in bringing nine new signings to West Ham, and Julen Lopetegui was then tasked with coaching and getting the best out of them.

Lopetegui has made a slow start to life at the London Stadium though, having guided his side to just five points from their opening six Premier League games.

That said, his job is said to be safe right now.

Meanwhile, Steidten seems to be escaping criticism entirely. At the end of the day, he was the man behind eight of the nine summer signings, allegedly.

The German is certainly not blameless when it comes to our struggles right now.

However, that rumour has since been dispelled by Sean Whetstone. So what does Steidten really think about Lopetegui?

Well, Fabrizio Romano has now answered that question.

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Here's what Tim Steidten really thinks of Julen Lopetegui Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the current goings on at the London Stadium.

The Italian football journalist explained in his Daily Briefing column that Lopetegui has Steidten's full backing.

He said, "Steidten is backing Lopetegui all the way."

"West Ham decided all together about their managerial appointment of Julen Lopetegui. Steidten, Sullivan, all together with Lopetegui since day one."

"They also coordinated in the transfer market with Lopetegui. All the rumours that Steidten advised Sullivan that Lopetegui wasn't the man he wanted is just considered speculation."

Well, that's all well and good, but Lopetegui will surely be more worried about whether or not he has the full backing of the Hammers board.

Lopetegui needs time The Spaniard needs to be given much more patience and time from the fans, and of course the board.

Real positive change and progress never, ever, happens overnight.

Lopetegui's system - a possession-based style with a more intense high press - is like night and day from what David Moyes deployed at the London Stadium.

The players need time to adapt to what Lopetegui is asking of them, and that goes for the new signings and the old faces.

Whilst we're undoubtedly still a couple of players short, Tim Steidten has provided Julen Lopetegui with numerous top-class stars to work with at West Ham.

And now the onus is on the Spaniard to get the best out of his underperforming players.

Let's see where we stand at Christmas though, before judging him.