West Ham has sacked its coach Julen Lopetegui.
A club statement said: “The first half of the 2024/25 season was not in line with the club’s ambitions and therefore the club took measures in line with its goals.”
West Ham added: “The process of appointing a replacement is ongoing.”
Graham Potter is set to replace the 58-year-old after West Ham held further positive talks with the former Chelsea and Brighton boss on Tuesday.
Lopetegui took over as coach of the team at the London Stadium last May, replacing David Moyes after his contract expired at the end of the 2023-2024 season.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
West Ham lost to Manchester City 4-1 on Saturday
Despite overseeing a summer transfer spend of more than £130m, Lopetegui has won just six of his 20 Premier League matches, and the Hammers currently sit 14th in the table.
Lopetegui was on the verge of being sacked in December when the club’s board split 60-40 on whether to sack him following a 3-1 defeat to Leicester City.
He oversaw a 2-1 win over Wolves in his next game, but won just once in the next five games, and West Ham have now ended his tenure, with their last outing a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Full West Ham statement
After confirming Lopetegui’s departure, the club issued an official statement saying: “West Ham United can confirm that manager Julen Lopetegui has left the club today.
“The first half of the 2024/25 season was not in line with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.
“The club can confirm that assistant coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, lead analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja de Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.”
“The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.
“The process of appointing a replacement is ongoing. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Potter prepares for the takeover
Rob Dorsett from Sky Sports News:
“Graham Potter will take over soon. He is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract as West Ham’s new manager.
“West Ham have held talks with the former Chelsea and Brighton coach and could be in charge of the upcoming FA Cup match against Aston Villa.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Sky Sports chief correspondent Rob Dorsett explains why Graham Potter is a sought-after man at the moment, with West Ham and Everton said to be keen on his services – if they decide to change manager.
Lopetegui’s dismissal may delay transfer work
Rob Dorsett from Sky Sports News:
“I expect him [Potter] To be appointed within the next two days.
Graham Potter is scheduled to take over as coach of West Ham United after the departure of Julen Lopetegui
“Then they will talk to Potter about the new signings he wants. Almost every club in the Premier League has a sporting director and technical director.
“One of them deals with the administrative situation, and it could be the sporting director in charge of football policy.
“I understand that West Ham are very active even after spending £100m in the summer, they are looking at what is out there and they are interested in Kiernan Dewsbury Hall. This does not put their transfer business on hold, but it could be delayed.” “
Carragher had been expecting Lopetegui’s sacking for weeks
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher speaking on Monday Night Football:
“They played well offensively [against Manchester City] But West Ham have repeatedly let themselves down defensively.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Graham Potter’s move to West Ham would be a good move for both parties, says Jamie Carragher, with pressure on current Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui.
“When they get beaten, they get beaten badly. They’re a mess in defence. There’s no doubt the manager’s position was risky, but when you think about that result at the weekend, it’s the sixth time this season in the Premier League.” They have lost a game by three or more goals in the Carabao Cup, losing 5-1 to Liverpool.
“When teams get beaten badly, I always think there’s something wrong in the locker room. That’s how you lose. I was expecting it three or four weeks ago.”
West Ham’s next five matches
January 10: Aston Villa (A), FA Cup, start at 8pm
January 14: Fulham (home), Premier League, start at 7.30pm
January 18: Crystal Palace (H), English Premier League, kick-off at 3pm
January 26: Aston Villa (A), English Premier League, live Sky SportsThe start is at 4:30 pm
February 3: Chelsea A, English Premier League, live Sky SportsThe start is at 8 pm
https://e0.365dm.com/25/01/1600×900/skysports-premier-league-west-ham_6792906.jpg?20250106154348