- Lopetegui was hired at the end of last season following the departure of David Moyes
- West Ham have won just six of their 20 Premier League matches this season
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism is gone at Old Trafford
West Ham have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after 20 disappointing Premier League games.
The Spaniard was relieved of his duties after a poor run of form that culminated in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, followed by a 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool.
That result was the straw that broke the camel’s back for owner David Sullivan, with the club confirming on Wednesday afternoon that the former Real Madrid boss’s time in east London has come to an end.
“The first half of the 2024/25 season did not match the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives,” said the club statement.
‘The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time at the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.’
The Hammers added that ‘the process of appointing a replacement is ongoing.’
Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by West Ham after a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season
His body language said it all as his side suffered yet another defeat – this time at Man City
The Hammers have won six of their Premier League matches this season
Despite bringing in a raft of talent over the summer, Lopetegui failed to steady the ship
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The pressure on Lopetegui had been building for some time, starting with a 3-1 defeat to Leicester in early December, leading to the angry away section aiming for ‘you’ll be sacked tomorrow morning’ in the Spaniard’s style.
However, a run of four unbeaten league matches – including victories over fellow strugglers Wolves and Southampton – appeared to buy time for Lopetegui, who had also flown home during that run following the death of his father.
But the manner in which West Ham were defeated by Liverpool and Manchester City has forced the club to shake hands, and the club are said to have already started the search for a new coach before Lopetegui’s sacking.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been in talks with owner David Sullivan over the past 48 hours over Lopetegui’s replacement.
West Ham would ideally want Potter to take on the job initially until the end of the season before reassessing. Clearly, the length of the contract is an issue that still needs to be resolved.
In the background, the club has been working on a plan B in case Potter turns down the role.
Among those believed to be eligible is Christophe Galtier, who is currently head coach at Qatari club Al Duhail.
The 58-year-old has extensive experience as a coach in France, having managed Paris Saint-Germain, Nice, St Etienne and Lille.
Long-term goalkeeper Paulo Fonseca also remains on West Ham’s radar. Fonseca has come close to the club in the past and is currently out of work after leaving AC Milan at the end of last year.
Mail Sport understands that striking deals for Galtier and Fonseca would be relatively straightforward, with both candidates aware of West Ham’s interest. Edin Terzic and Michael Carrick also have admirers at West Ham.
Graham Potter is in pole position to take over the West Ham job after discussions this week
But Potter has always been their main target and West Ham are now close to appointing him.
Despite leading the club to European glory and three top-10 Premier League finishes, the Hammers parted ways with David Moyes last summer due to a desire to improve playing style.
Lopetegui was unable to carry out that instruction and frustrated supporters were subjected to directionless tactics with no apparent motive.
Potter was in the King Power Stadium television studio during the defeat to Leicester on December 3 and admitted he was eyeing a return to management.
“Yes, of course,” he said. “Like I said before, you’re open to anything.”